Amen Thompson Leads Rockets to 111 to 107 Win Over Mavericks in Late Game Showdown

HOUSTON -- Amen Thompson delivered one of the most complete performances of his young career Saturday night as the Houston Rockets held off a late rally to defeat the Dallas Mavericks 111 to 107 in a tightly contested Western Conference matchup.

The breaking update centered on Thompson’s all around impact. The second year guard finished with 21 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, controlling the tempo on both ends and making key plays in the final minutes. His alley oop dunk in the closing two minutes briefly pushed Houston ahead by four and set the tone for a decisive stretch.

Dallas responded by tying the game inside the final minute, but the latest timeline swung back in Houston’s favor when Alperen Sengun converted a layup with 28.6 seconds remaining. After a defensive stop, Tari Eason sealed the outcome with a dunk with 14.4 seconds left, extending the lead to four and closing the door on a potential comeback.

Sengun posted 14 points and 14 rebounds, continuing his steady two way production, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 19 points as Houston improved its record in close games this season. The Rockets executed efficiently late, limiting turnovers and finishing strong at the rim.

Dallas remained competitive throughout and cut into multiple Houston leads behind perimeter shooting and transition offense. The Mavericks trimmed an 11 point deficit in the fourth quarter and had opportunities in the final possessions, but missed attempts in the lane and from beyond the arc prevented them from regaining the lead.

Houston’s ability to withstand runs defined the night. A 7 to 2 burst midway through the fourth quarter restored separation after Dallas had closed the gap, and the Rockets maintained composure after surrendering a double digit advantage earlier in the half. The performance reflected growing chemistry in a young rotation and continued progress under head coach Ime Udoka.

What this means moving forward is significant for Houston’s outlook. Wins against conference opponents in close games strengthen the Rockets’ positioning as they push for consistency in the playoff race. Dallas, meanwhile, continues to balance veteran shooting with evolving lineup combinations as the season progresses.

The next steps come quickly. The Mavericks return home to host Boston on Tuesday night, while the Rockets head to Indiana on Monday night to continue a demanding road stretch.