DALLAS – There’s no rest for the weary, however, because the surging Houston Rockets (34-12) came to town on a mission to win six straight against Dallas. Before Wednesday nights matchup, they’ve won 11 of the past 14 meetings.
Houston didn’t waste any time getting on the boards and even went on an 11-0 run before Harrison Barnes netted a score. Most of the Rockets’ baskets came from beyond the arc going 6-for-6 at one point in the first quarter.
Houston’s Trevor Ariza had a hot hand scoring a team-high 11 points in the first quarter with help from nine points each from James Harden and Chris Paul.
Wesley Matthews felt a spark as well posting 10 points for the Mavs but that still wasn’t enough as Dallas trailed 38-28 at the end of the quarter. Dallas cranked up the intensity in the second quarter coming within four points but a 5-0 run by the Rockets quickly pushed the Mavs further back and down by 10 points yet again.
Despite trailing for another quarter, Dallas was able to limit Paul’s offense keeping him cold and going 0-of-3 from the floor.
Houston held a narrow lead over Dallas 51-45 on 18-of-47 shooting (38.3%) going into halftime.
Things changed in the second half, more specifically the third quarter, and not in a good way for Dallas.
By the end of the 3rd quarter, the Mavs had 10 turnovers compared to the Rockets’ three. Off the bench, Eric Gordon picked up a few baskets giving him 14 points for Houston.
Dallas dug themselves into a deep hole trailing yet again 85-67 entering the final frame.
Shots just weren’t falling and the defense started to fester as time dwindled down. Also worth mentioning, Dallas turned the ball over 14 times.
Houston deemed too much for Dallas winning 104-97 extending their win streak to four games and six straight wins against the Mavs.
LEADING SCORERS:
JAMES HARDEN – 25 pts (9-16), 5 rebounds, 13 assists
WESLEY MATTHEWS – 29 pts (10-18), 4 rebounds, 5 assists
