The Houston Rockets kicked off the 2026-27 NBA season with a commanding 128-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Centre.
The Houston Rockets opened the 2026–27 NBA season with a statement, beating the Dallas Mavericks 128–110 at Toyota Centre. Kevin Durant’s first regular-season game for Houston ended with 30 points, six rebounds and three assists, but this was not a one-man show. The Rockets got another 30 points from Jabari Smith Jr., and a double-double from Alperen Şengün as their new-look team began the year with a convincing home win.
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Durant looked comfortable straight away, scoring efficiently and giving Houston a reliable option when the offence needed a basket. His 30-point night matched Smith, who also hit four three-pointers. Smith finished 11-of-18 from the field and 4-of-8 from beyond the arc in 36 minutes, a strong start for a player expected to play a big role this season.
Şengün added 23 points and 10 rebounds, helping Houston control the paint and keep the pressure on Dallas. With three players providing major scoring, the Rockets had answers beyond Durant whenever the Mavericks tried to stay within reach. The 18-point final margin reflected a balanced team effort rather than a single scorer carrying the night.
Undefeated 🗣️
@MemorialHermann | #AllFire https://t.co/7Ll9q5goFl
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 22, 2026
Dallas had its own reasons to remember the opener. Cooper Flagg, still a teenager, poured in 32 points and set a record, giving the Mavericks an immediate glimpse of his scoring potential. Kyrie Irving also returned after 597 days away. His first bucket was a welcome moment for Dallas, even as the team struggled to match Houston’s output.
The game’s early disruption came when Houston’s Tari Eason was ejected in the first quarter after shoving PJ Washington. Losing a rotation player so early could have unsettled the Rockets, but their scoring depth helped steady the night. Houston kept its focus, shared the load and pulled away to start the season 1–0.
For the Rockets, the opener offered an encouraging first look at how Durant fits alongside Smith and Şengün. For Dallas, Flagg’s record-setting debut and Irving’s return were bright spots in a tough result. It is only one game, but Houston has given its fans an exciting preview of what this team might become.
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