The Houston Rockets opened the new NBA season in spectacular fashion, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 128–110 in front of their home fans at the Toyota Center. Serbian national team player Bogdan Bogdanović also had a special reason to celebrate, recording his first official victory in the jersey of his new club.

Houston settled the question of the winner in the first half, sending a clear message to its rivals that it is aiming for a much higher finish this season.

Although the Mavericks started the game somewhat better, Houston simply flattened its opponent in the second quarter. The Rockets won the period by an incredible 38–12, heading into halftime with a massive 32-point lead (70–38). Their rock-solid defense and ruthless efficiency allowed the home team to maintain its advantage comfortably in the second half, with the margin at one point reaching a staggering 37 points. All Dallas managed to do before the final buzzer was reduce the emphatic defeat in the fourth quarter.

Check out the latest action! 👀 Marcus Smart with the pass, Bogdan Bogdanovic with the three-pointer. Rockets cruising against the Mavs in Houston, leading 53–36 midway through the second quarter. https://t.co/OEgDghJoRs

— Clutch City Brasil (@ClutchCityBR) October 22, 2026

Serbian ace Bogdan Bogdanović played a moderate number of minutes and finished the game with five points, shooting an excellent 2-for-3 from the field and contributing to the Texas team’s opening victory.

Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. were Houston’s leading performers, each scoring 30 points to overwhelm their opponents. They received excellent support from Alperen Şengün (23 points) and Amen Thompson (16 points, 10 rebounds). Fred VanVleet’s return was particularly encouraging: after a lengthy absence due to injury, he immediately reminded everyone what kind of point guard he is, recording as many as 11 assists.

For the defeated Dallas side, the only bright spot was Cooper Flagg with 32 points, while Kyrie Irving underperformed, finishing with a modest 15 points.

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Source: Sportal, Foto: Troy Taormina / Imagn Images

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