Rockets Visit Dallas, Look to Spoil Mavs’ Home Opener
First Texas Tussle. Smelling Trouble. Raised Competition.
On Tuesday night, the Houston Rockets travel to Dallas to battle the Mavericks. It’s the beginning of a tough stretch for the Rockets, as their next seven games all come against battled tested Western Conference playoff teams from last season. And six of these games are on the road. Including tonight, which also happens to be the Mavs’ home opener. Dallas started the year by splitting a pair of road contests, falling in Atlanta, but overpowering Toronto on Saturday night. At 1-1, and with their superstar Luka Doncic poised for an MVP season, this is the best Mavs team Dallas has had in a long time, since the prime Dirk Nowitzki days. American Airlines Center will be rocking tonight, and it will be Houston’s first true test in a hostile environment. It’s also the first Texas Tussle of the season, and with Dallas being by far the best team in the state this year, Houston would love to spoil their first home game. Something easier said than done.
If the Rockets want any chance tonight, everyone has to be on their A-games. Jalen Green needs to replicate his performance in the last game. Christian Wood needs to continue to be a double-double machine. Everyone needs to feed off of Jae’Sean Tate’s energy. And most importantly, the squad has to play under control. Kevin Porter Jr. can’t afford a high-turnover night, or the Rockets are in for a long, raucous night in Dallas. Houston needs to keep the crowd out of the game from the opening tip. Turning the ball over frequently translates to exciting transitional plays for the opposition, which excites their crowd, turning up the volume and pressure in the arena. KPJ, and the Rockets as a unit, need to protect the ball if they want any chance of pulling off the upset in Dallas.
Despite being 1-2, the Rockets have shown improvement from game-to-game. However, this environment in Dallas will be the most hostile game for Houston at this point early in the season. The expectations and excitement for this Mavs’ team will be flowing throughout the arena. Kind of like playing against a sixth man for the Rockets. Kirstaps Porzingis is back and healthy. Dallas’ first-round draft pick Jalen Brunson has looked impressive to start the season. Tim Hardaway Jr. has been more efficient than usual. Tonight will be a tough test, but if Houston can fend off the early noise, and stay within reaching distance, they might have a chance to spoil the Mavericks’ home opener. And in the first of many Texas Tussles… could be one to remember for the Rockets.
American Airlines Center: Dallas, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (1-2): White
Dallas Mavericks (1-1): Navy
TV: 7:30 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW