The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets 147-136 on Sunday after Kyrie Irving scored a game-high 48 points, Dante Exum forced overtime with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer, and the team came back from a 22-point deficit. As per Statmuse, with 37 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds, Luka Doncic helped the Mavericks get closer to the fifth spot in the Western Conference playoffs.
Houston Rockets, who did not trail until the last three minutes of regulation, were eliminated from playoff contention. Dillon Brooks had a season-high 29 points, and Fred VanVleet had 24 points and 12 assists. Houston had been on an 11-game winning run, which was tied for the longest streak in the NBA this season, until suffering its fifth straight loss.
Jabari Smith Jr. missed two free throws with 8.3 seconds remaining in regulation, giving Houston a three-point advantage. With no more timeouts available to Dallas, Exum scurried up the floor and found Doncic.
After dribbling towards midcourt and faking a shot, the Dallas star passed to Exum, whose three over Smith beat the buzzer. Irving, who scored twenty-five points in the final quarter and overtime, made two free throws in the extra session to give Dallas a 133-131 lead.
Also Read: Dynamic Duo Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic Led the Mavericks to Win Over the Hawks
Houston Rockets Lost the Match Despite Having an Early Lead
Houston Rockets would be out of play-in contention after a defeat. Early on, they were combative from both sides. Houston responded to coach Ime Udoka’s challenge to play at the caliber of their previous 11-game winning run and end the season strong by jumping out to a 24-5 advantage. Later in the game, Houston was unable to maintain their early lead.
Halfway through the quarter, Amen Thompson was ejected following a play that resulted in a Flagrant 2 call. He shoved Maxi Kleber in the neck with his forearm, starting a brawl that resulted in Kleber’s teammates defending him.
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The Mavs persisted in cutting into the Houston Rockets’ advantage, and Doncic’s three-pointer put Dallas within 7 points during a potent offensive run supported by defensive rebounds.
Also Read: “We Are Still Chasing His Legacy”- Kyrie Irving Praised Stephen Curry During an Interview
