The Rockets wrapped up a seven-game homestand, the longest of the season, with Friday’s 112-106 loss (box score) to the in-state rival Mavericks. Houston (9-23) lost its fifth straight game while Dallas (17-16) broke above .500 thanks to perennial MVP candidate Luka Doncic.
Jabari Smith Jr. scored a career-high 24 points for the Rockets on 10-of-17 shooting (58.8%) and 3-of-8 on 3-pointers (37.5%). He grabbed 10 rebounds and dished 3 assists. But the effort wasn’t enough thanks to an other-worldly night by Doncic. He led the visiting Mavs with 50 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds on 17-of-30 shooting (56.7%) and 6-of-12 on 3-pointers (50.0%).
