Houston’s winning streak ends at 11 as Mavs explode from 3-point range

HOUSTON — In a potentially devastating night for their 2024 postseason hopes, the Rockets (38-36) saw their winning streak end at 11 games in Sunday’s 125-107 home loss (box score) to the hot-shooting Dallas Mavericks (45-29).

When coupled with a victory by Golden State (40-34) in San Antonio, the Rockets are now two games back of the final Western Conference play-in tournament berth with only eight to play — and without the tiebreaker. Houston will host the Warriors on Thursday, but even if they win that game, the Rockets would need to make up at least two other games elsewhere on the schedule.

Led by All-Star guard and perennial MVP candidate Luka Doncic, the Mavericks buried the Rockets underneath an avalanche of 3-pointers, making 24-of-47 as a team (51.1%). Doncic finished with 47 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists while connecting on 18-of-30 shots (60.0%) and 9-of-16 from 3-point range (56.3%).

Jabari Smith Jr. led the Rockets with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks while shooting 9-of-14 overall (64.3%) and 5-of-7 on 3-pointers (71.4%). Cam Whitmore returned from injury and added 13 points (41.7% FG, 33.3% on 3-pointers), 5 rebounds, and 3 steals in 22 minutes.

Rockets guard Jalen Green was routinely trapped and doubled by the Mavericks and struggled to make his usual impact (of late), finishing with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 5-of-15 overall (33.3%) and missing all five of his 3-pointers.

Here’s our look back at Sunday night’s highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is Tuesday’s challenging road game at top-seeded Minnesota (51-22), where tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Central.