The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets 122-109 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas in the early hours of December 7, 2025, completing a strong response after a difficult previous outing.
Anthony Davis led the recovery performance with 29 points on 14-of-19 shooting, powering a decisive second-half surge.
Houston entered with the stronger record, but Dallas controlled most of the game timeline and led for the majority of the night.
• Dallas shot efficiently and controlled momentum after halftime
• Houston relied heavily on early scoring from Kevin Durant
First Half Timeline
Houston began confidently as Kevin Durant scored 20 of his 27 points before the break.
The Rockets produced a balanced offensive start, combining transition scoring and outside shooting.
Dallas stayed close behind efficient finishing from Davis and ball movement from Ryan Nembhard.
At halftime the teams were level, reflecting a competitive opening stretch.
First Half Score Flow
| Quarter | Rockets | Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 26 | 29 |
| 2nd | 31 | 28 |
| Halftime | 57 | 57 |
• Durant dominated early offense
• Mavericks matched scoring through efficiency
• Game remained tied at the interval
Third Quarter Turning Point
Dallas transformed the game after halftime by shooting 73 percent in the third quarter.
Davis scored repeatedly inside while P.J. Washington added consecutive dunks during a 14-0 run.
Naji Marshall beat the buzzer with a three pointer to cap the momentum swing.
The Mavericks outscored Houston 37-20 in the period, creating a double-digit advantage.
Quarter Comparison
| Quarter | Rockets | Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | 20 | 37 |
• Dallas defense tightened significantly
• Houston offense stalled without interior presence
• Lead expanded rapidly
Final Quarter And Key Performers
Dallas extended the lead to 21 early in the fourth quarter, after which Durant did not return.
Cooper Flagg added 19 points while Brandon Williams scored 20 from the bench.
Ryan Nembhard recorded seven assists to guide the offense.
Houston received 22 points from Jabari Smith Jr. and 19 from Aaron Holiday but could not recover.
Team Statistics
| Category | Rockets | Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 51% | 60% |
| Three Point % | 34% | 37% |
| Free Throw % | 85% | 85% |
| Turnovers | 20 | 13 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 31 |
• Dallas efficiency proved decisive
• Houston turnovers limited comeback attempts
• Bench scoring boosted Mavericks margin
Game Leaders
| Team | Player | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | Kevin Durant | 27 points |
| Houston | Jabari Smith Jr. | 22 points, 8 rebounds |
| Dallas | Anthony Davis | 29 points, 8 rebounds |
| Dallas | Brandon Williams | 20 points |
• Davis dominated interior scoring
• Mavericks bench outperformed Rockets reserves
• Dallas controlled second half pace
The victory moved Dallas forward with renewed confidence while Houston turned attention to its next matchup after losing control in the decisive third quarter.
