HOUSTON — The Rockets extended their winning streak to five games with Friday’s dominant 133-96 victory (box score) over the in-state and Southwest Division rival Dallas Mavericks. The win gave Houston the division lead for the first time in weeks.
With the victory and a simultaneous Memphis loss, Houston improved to 42-25 and is now among the top-four teams in the Western Conference standings — which would put the Rockets in line to have home-court advantage in at least one round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. By winning its 42nd game of the 82-game regular season, the Rockets have guaranteed themselves a winning season for the first time since 2019-20.
Houston out-rebounded Dallas by a staggering 32 boards, representing the second-largest margin in a single game in franchise history. The Rockets lead the NBA in rebounding this season.
Individual statistics of significance included:
- Tari Eason: Career-high 30 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks; 11-of-15 shooting (73.3%), 2-of-3 on 3-pointers (66.7%), 6-of-6 on free throws; +37 in 31 minutes
- Jalen Green: 23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists; 9-of-19 shooting (47.4%), 4-of-8 on 3-pointers (50.0%)
- Alperen Sengun: 16 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists; 7-of-16 shooting (43.8%)
- Jabari Smith Jr.: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks; 6-of-11 shooting (54.5%)
Given the score, no Houston player exceeded 31 minutes played, which was a priority on night one of a home back-to-back. The Bulls visit Toyota Center on Saturday.
For the Rockets, Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) remains sidelined for at least a few more days, while veteran center Steven Adams sat out for maintenance purposes on the front end of a back-to-back.
The Mavericks were without numerous players due to a handful of injuries, most notably to stars Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. On Friday, Veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie had 20 points in 32 minutes off the Dallas bench while making 9-of-15 shots (60.0%).
Dallas (33-35) still remains in the No. 10 spot in the West standings, which keeps them just inside the play-in tournament field for the time being.
March 14 Rockets-Mavericks Complete Highlights
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March 14 Postgame Reaction and Interviews
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What’s Next
Houston’s six-game homestand, which is its longest of the 2024-25 NBA season, reaches game five with Saturday’s matchup versus the Chicago Bulls (27-38). The Rockets are just 6-9 on the second night of back-to-backs this season, although there is no travel in-between this particular set.
Tipoff from Toyota Center is again at 7:00 p.m. Central.
More: Ime Udoka on 2024-25 Houston Rockets: ‘Deepest team I’ve had’
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets rout Mavericks to secure first winning season since 2019-20
