#6 trendingRockets vs. Mavericks
Mavericks Hand Rockets First Loss, 116-111, as Kyrie Irving Scores 35 and Cooper Flagg Adds 33
The Houston Rockets arrived in Dallas unbeaten. They left with their first loss.
Kyrie Irving scored 35 points, Cooper Flagg added 33, and the Dallas Mavericks rallied for a 116-111 win over the Rockets on Friday night, Oct. 30, in an NBA Cup opener at American Airlines Center, the Associated Press reported. The loss left the idle Memphis Grizzlies (5-0) as the NBA’s only undefeated team.
It was the second straight game in which Dallas knocked off an undefeated opponent, following Wednesday’s win over Oklahoma City, according to the Mavericks’ team site.
Rockets vs. Mavericks: how Dallas came back
Houston controlled the second quarter, outscoring Dallas 31-17 to turn a seven-point deficit into a seven-point lead, AP reported. Jabari Smith Jr. scored 10 of his 22 points in that quarter. The Mavericks shot just 5-for-19 in the period and trailed 51-44 at halftime, Mavs.com noted.
The fourth quarter belonged to Dallas, which outscored the Rockets 40-27. Irving scored 26 of his 35 points after halftime, including a jumper that put the Mavericks ahead for good at 102-100.
The final two minutes
The finish came down to free throws:
- Kevin Durant, a career 88% free-throw shooter, missed two with Houston down two and 1:53 left, AP reported.
- Amen Thompson also missed two with 42 seconds remaining, after P.J. Washington’s pass went directly to him for a turnover.
- After each pair of misses, Flagg answered with a clutch basket, including a three-point play.
- Daniel Gafford hit two free throws with Dallas up one and 11 seconds left. He finished with 18 points.
- Dallas then fouled on purpose twice while up three in the final 10 seconds, and Irving made his free throws each time.
Houston went just 24-of-33 from the line.
Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving stats
| Player | Points | Shooting | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyrie Irving | 35 | 12-of-19 FG, 5-of-8 3PT, 6-of-6 FT | 9 assists |
| Cooper Flagg | 33 | 13-of-19 FG | 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals |
Irving’s 6-for-6 night extended the NBA’s longest active streak of made free throws to 54, dating to before his 19-month absence with a torn ACL in his left knee, AP reported.
“Just having a teenager out there making these tough shots, getting and-ones and being as clutch as anyone I’ve seen, it’s amazing to be part of,” Irving said of Flagg, per Mavs.com.
Flagg credited his growing confidence. “Just being confident, getting to my spots and living with the results,” he said.
Rockets leaders
- Kevin Durant: 28 points
- Jabari Smith Jr.: 22 points
- Fred VanVleet: 16 points
- Amen Thompson: 15 points
Houston played without big men Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams, who were out injured, according to Mavs.com.
What’s next
Dallas is now 4-2. The Mavericks’ remaining NBA Cup group games are against Utah, Denver and Phoenix, Mavs.com said.
- Rockets: host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night, Oct. 31.
- Mavericks: host the Sacramento Kings on Monday night, Nov. 2.
FAQ
Who won Rockets vs. Mavericks?
The Dallas Mavericks won 116-111 on Oct. 30, 2026.
How many points did Cooper Flagg score?
Flagg had 33 points on 13-of-19 shooting, with nine rebounds and six assists.
Was it the Rockets’ first loss?
Yes. Houston had opened the season with five straight wins, including a 128-110 win over Dallas in the opener.
Is Memphis still undefeated?
Yes. The Grizzlies (5-0) were idle Friday and are now the league’s only unbeaten team.