Mavericks take down rival Rockets

HOUSTON- The Dallas Mavericks traveled to Houston Monday for their second night of a backto-back. The Mavericks entered the night needing a win, after falling 118- 108 to the Chicago Bulls Sunday.

Dallas got off to a very hot start, quickly extending their lead to 12-2 when Luka Doncic knocked down his first 3-pointer just three minutes into the game. The Mavericks were able to build their lead to as much as 33-19 when Doncic hit yet another 3-pointer late in the frame, before the Rockets made a pair of free throws to end the first quarter at 33-21.

Mavericks backup guard Trey Burke set the tone in the second frame, knocking down a 3-pointer on the opening possession thanks to an assist from fellow backup guard Jalen Brunson. Houston was able to get the game back within two points, but in the final 6:53 of the first half the Mavericks went on a 21-11 run to take a 61-49 lead at the half.

Dallas struggled in the third quarter, once again seeing their lead fall within one possession as Houston got as close as 75-74 with 2:26 remaining in the frame. Things stayed close until Doncic checked back in for the final time with 7:43 left in the game with the Mavericks leading 89-87. The Mavericks offense exploded for 24 points in the final minutes, as they cruised to a 113-100 win.

Doncic set the tone, leading the game in points (33), rebounds (16) and assists (11) for his first triple-double of the season. Dallas also relied heavily on shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. who finished with 30 points on an impressive 11-14 shooting as he came off the bench for the first time this year.

Other double-digit finishers for the Mavericks were guard Josh Richardson and center Willy Cauley-Stein who each finished with 15 points. Cauley-Stein had 15 points and seven rebounds in his first start of the season.

Dallas is back in action Thursday when they travel to Denver to take on the 2-4 Nuggets. That game is set to begin at 9 p.m. and will air on TNT.