In a sensational showdown, the Dallas Mavericks pulled off a remarkable 147-136 victory against the Houston Rockets on Sunday, fueled by Kyrie Irving’s explosive 48-point performance. The game was nothing short of thrilling, with Dante Exum’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer forcing overtime, and the Mavericks overcoming a daunting 22-point deficit.
Luka Doncic, with a stellar display, added 37 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds to help steer the Mavericks closer to the coveted fifth spot in the Western Conference playoffs, according to Statmuse.
The Houston Rockets, who had not trailed until the final three minutes of regulation, saw their playoff hopes vanish with this defeat. Dillon Brooks shone for the Rockets with a season-high 29 points, while Fred VanVleet added 24 points and 12 assists.
Houston Rockets Lost the Match
Houston’s loss marked the end of an impressive 11-game winning streak, tied for the longest in the NBA this season, now followed by a fifth consecutive loss.
The game’s intensity peaked in the final moments of regulation, as Jabari Smith Jr. missed two crucial free throws with 8.3 seconds remaining, giving Houston a slim three-point lead. With no timeouts left for Dallas, Dante Exum raced up the court and found Luka Doncic.
In a moment of brilliance, Doncic faked a shot and passed to Exum, whose last-second three-pointer over Smith beat the buzzer, sending the game into overtime. Irving, with 25 points scored in the final quarter and overtime combined, sealed the deal for Dallas with two clutch free throws, giving them a 133-131 lead.
Houston Rockets fought valiantly, initially dominating with a 24-5 lead, responding to coach Ime Udoka’s challenge to emulate their previous winning streak. However, they couldn’t sustain their early momentum.
Midway through the game, tensions flared as Amen Thompson was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul, igniting a heated confrontation that saw Maxi Kleber defended by his Mavericks teammates.
Undeterred, the Mavericks chipped away at the Rockets’ lead, with Doncic’s pivotal three-pointer bringing Dallas within 7 points during a spirited offensive surge fueled by crucial defensive rebounds.
The Mavericks’ sensational comeback victory not only solidified their standing but also dealt a decisive blow to the Rockets’ playoff aspirations in an unforgettable night of NBA action.