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Rockets down Mavs in China 135-117

The Houston Rockets kicked off their preseason campaign with a commanding 135-117 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Macao, China, setting an early tone for their preparations ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Houston dominated from the start, leading 27-19 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 65-45 at halftime.

Tari Eason led the scoring with 20 points, while Alperen Sengun delivered a standout performance with a triple-double—16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists—highlighting his versatility. Fred VanVleet also contributed significantly, scoring 17 points and dishing out 7 assists while hitting 5 three-pointers.

Jabari Smith Jr. added 19 points, showcasing the Rockets' depth in scoring.

Though Kevin Durant appeared briefly, logging just 8 points in limited minutes, his presence added experience and star power to a team looking to refine its chemistry without over-reliance on him. The Mavericks, meanwhile, used the game as a platform for their younger players to gain valuable experience, with both teams set to meet again in Macao on Sunday.

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