In a close win over Dallas, the Rockets survived a rare off night from Kevin Durant thanks to big games from Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.
HOUSTON — After a remarkably efficient start to the 2025-26 season, veteran Rockets star Kevin Durant finally had an off night in Monday’s game versus Dallas.
Fortunately for his team, the Rockets still had enough help from their supporting cast to get another win in Monday’s 110-102 victory (box score) over the short-handed Mavericks. Dallas (2-5) was missing three big names due to injuries in Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II.
Houston (4-2) has now won four straight games, overall.
While Durant did have 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists to go with two clutch 3-pointers, he made just 6-of-18 shots overall (33.3%) and 2-of-8 from distance (25.0%).
Fortunately, that was offset by very efficient nights from his co-stars. Amen Thompson scored a team-high 27 points to go with 5 rebounds and 4 assists, and he connected on 11-of-18 shots (61.1%).
Alperen Sengun, an All-Star last season, had 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists on 10-of-20 shooting (50.0%).
Both teams struggled to shoot, with the Mavericks connecting on 9-of-36 from 3-point range (25.0%) and 13-of-20 from the free-throw line (65.0%). Houston went 8-of-29 (27.6%) and 20-of-30 (66.7%), respectively.
“To hold them to 102 (points), and kind of have to grind it out, it’s a little more satisfying,” Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said postgame.
PJ Washington led the Mavericks with a game-high 29 points and 12 rebounds, all while making 11-of-20 shots (55.0%).
Jabari Smith Jr. sat out Monday’s game with a minor sprain of his right ankle, though he could return as soon as Houston’s next game on Wednesday in Memphis.
The Rockets and Grizzlies (3-5) tip off at 7:00 p.m. Central, and the game will be televised regionally on Space City Home Network and nationally via NBA League Pass.