Rockets fall short as Timberwolves spoil their perfect week

In the United States, on Wednesday night, the Houston Rockets faced the Dallas Mavericks, achieving a significant 110-99 victory. This marked the Rockets' comeback following a two-game losing streak, with a strong performance from Alperen Sengun, who led the team with 23 points. Jalen Green also contributed notably with 22 points, as Dillon Brooks added 19 and Cam Whitmore scored 18 points, demonstrating the team's offensive depth. The Rockets showcased an impressive performance, especially in the second half, where they built a substantial lead after a 32-12 run that spanned the end of the first half and the start of the second half. The Mavericks were in a challenging position as they continued to play without their star player, Luka Doncic, who has been sidelined due to a calf strain sustained on Christmas Day. Despite their struggles, the Mavericks fought hard but faced their third loss in four games. They managed to take a brief lead midway through the second quarter before the Rockets surged ahead. The absence of Doncic proved crucial, as the team has struggled to find momentum without their leading scorer. Contrastingly, the Rockets did not miss a beat without Amen Thompson, who was serving a suspension. The Rockets capitalized on opportunities at the free-throw line, making 18 of 23 attempts while the Mavericks only converted 8 of 16. These free throws played a significant role in maintaining a consistent double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. Both teams were preparing for their next matchups shortly after this game, with the Mavericks set to host the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Rockets set to face the Boston Celtics. This win was particularly important for the Rockets as they aimed to build confidence moving forward amidst a competitive season and challenging schedule ahead, highlighting their potential to perform effectively even without some of their players.