Luka Doncic had 26 pts and 14 rebounds when they beat the Rockets. Reggie Bullock had his best game with his new team by scoring 16 pts. The Rockets were beaten 116-106 by the Dallas Mavericks, where coach Jason Kidd made his debut at home on a Tuesday night.
Kristaps Porzingis had a rough shooting night, starting 1 of 9 before finally making his only 3-pointer and leaving shortly after. The injured Porzingis did not return because of lower back tightness. He came into the game with a black eye.
The Rockets Lost For The First Time
Eric Gordon managed to score 22 pts while Christian Wood had 16 pts and 17 rebounds for the Houston Rockets. They had previously won against Dallas, thrice, and this was their first loss.
It was the first time since the end of the 2008 season for someone who was not Rick Carlisle, on the sideline for the Mavericks. But it was a familiar face in Kidd. He was drafted No. 2 overall in 1994 before leaving in a trade, coming back in another deal and helping the franchise win its only championship with Dirk Nowitzki leading the way in 2011.
Kidd decided that all 15 active players would get their chances in the opener and they all did. Among them was 7’4 Boban Marjanovic, who played for the first time this season and had 11 pts.
Kidd stated that Boban was great and had changed the game for them. The chemistry and the accountability were extremely beautiful.
The margin was single digits most of the game, although the outcome was not in doubt as soon as the Mavericks went up 8 with about four minutes remaining.
Doncic did most of his damage inside the arc, the 22-year-old star finishing 10 of 25 despite 1-of-6 shooting from 3. He had seven assists while his backup, Jalen Brunson, tied his career-high with 11 assists and scored 11 points.
