Mavericks stop Rockets streak
While it is Rockets left on a four-game winning streak, with the Mavericks without a win in four games, the incredible Max Christie’s partners made the difference and relaunched themselves in the play-off race.
After only a minute of play, the first drama occurred when Alperen Schengun came off, the victim of a sprained right ankle. Turkin will not return to the game… In contrast, Dallas is multiplying the turnovers (5 in the quarter), especially with the return of the experienced Cooper Flagg as a playmaker. Houston uses these approximations to lead 31-25 after 12 minutes.
Jason Kidd returns to a more classic rotation and the match changes face. Dallas is on fire (13/22 on shots in the quarter), while Houston is crashing. With Anthony Davis as great on offense as he is on defense, the Mavs are ahead despite PJ Washington’s injury (also ankle). At the same time, Kevin Durant picks up his fourth foul and has to sit down. Dallas leads at the break 57-50.
Back from the locker room, Houston came back with more impact on the offensive rebound, but Dallas countered with pace and perimeter offense. Brandon Williams’ drives energize the game, and Max Christie electrifies the room with a huge two-handed dunk. Tied 65-65, Dallas went on a 22-10 run to take control: 87-75 in the final quarter.
The Mavericks then had a 17-point lead, but Houston, carried by Durant, brought it back to 106-101 with a minute left. It was then Christie who sealed the match with an attack and a decisive dunk, giving Dallas some momentum. Final victory 110-104 Mavericks. First in five matches.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
Cooper Flagg in trouble. To counter the Rockets’ size and scope, Jason Kidd decided to play “very high ball” with Flagg back in the lead. Novak very quickly received two loose balls and made two fouls, and just when he returned to his natural position, Dallas went almost eight minutes without a single loose ball. First of all, with the classic configuration, the team took control of the match.
Christie, The X Factor. Arriving in Anthony Davis’ suitcase a year ago, Christie is full speed ahead in 2026. After his 25 points against the Blazers, the guard followed up with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Jason Kidd asked him to come out of the corners to take more chances offensively, and it worked.
The racket is flying in Houston. Already deprived of Steven Adams, the Rockets lost Alperen Sengun after a minute. The Turk twisted his ankle badly in the jump. The Mavericks took advantage of the opportunity to win the battle with 66 points against 54, and Anthony Davis was king: 26 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks.
2026-01-04 06:33:00
