In this Texas duel, the Mavs got off to the best start under the leadership of Luka Doncic, who was finally able to hold his place despite his sprained thumb.
They went 10-2 in two minutes and quickly led 18-9, but they were relatively clumsy, including 3/14 for the Irving – Doncic duo in the first quarter. Which allows Houston to stay at a distance (29-22).
The pattern repeats itself in the second quarter, with the Mavs going 10-1 at the start of the period to try to widen the gap. But the Rockets respond with Alperen Sengun, author of 11 points in the second quarter and are very close at halftime (54-50), while Kyrie Irving continues his way of the cross (2/11 on shots)…
In front throughout the first half, the Mavs were overtaken after returning from the locker room with Jabari Smith Jr. stepping up to the plate. Luka Doncic serves Derek Lively over the shoulder for a two-handed dunk from his rookie center. Then, it’s Kyrie Irving’s turn to put the interior into orbit in the alley-oop, and here are the Mavs again!
Dallas’ major duo combined for 22 of the team’s 30 points in the 3rd quarter, at 11 points each (including a majestic reverse layup for Kyrie Irving). But that’s not enough: Houston remains in front (88-84).
The two teams no longer let go in the last quarter, with six changes of leader in the first five minutes of the final period alone. But the Mavs continue to accelerate with Luka Doncic who adds 12 points to reach forty in the match and Irving who adds 11 to reach 27 units and even Derrick Jones Jr. who scores 12 points in the period including a powerful dunk for seal the fate of the match, despite the efforts of a lonely Alperen Sengun at the end of the match (121-115).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Mavs take out the Rockets. Houston had its destiny in its hands before making the short trip to Dallas. But, by losing to the Texan rival, the Rockets were eliminated from the mid-season tournament, in a group which included three teams with barely balanced records before yesterday evening. Dallas is also eliminated.
– Thumbs up for Luka. If the Mavs feared the worst when their Slovenian superstar injured his thumb against the Clippers, they can now be reassured. After an offensive demonstration with 41 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists, all at 15/29 on shots, Luka Doncic finished with a monstrous evaluation of 46 (lowered by a 3/10 at 3-points but boosted by 0 lost balls) .
– The Rockets not smart enough. Ime Udoka was rather frustrated after his team’s infuriating defeat. He particularly regretted certain defensive errors on Kyrie Irving who was able to launch offensively in the second half, scoring 22 of his 27 points after the break: “I told the team: we played well enough to win but we weren’t smart enough to win. We were too aggressive, especially at the start of the third quarter. We had several players commit stupid fouls that put Kyrie on shots. Which started it. You can be aggressive, but hitting the arm of a 3-point shooter is not a smart move. It has nothing to do with aggression. »
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
