Stats Rundown: 3 numbers to know from the Mavericks’ cathartic 116-111 NBA Cup win over the Rockets

Oct 30, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) celebrates after being fouled on a made basket for a three point play against the Houston Rockets during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Dallas Mavericks (4-2) defeated the Houston Rockets (5-1), 116-111, in a Friday night matchup at the American Airlines Center. The matchup marked the first of the NBA Cup Group Play between the two teams representing West Group A. The Mavericks are the first team to beat the Rockets this year, who had won five straight before Friday night’s matchup.

Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 35 points and nine assists. Cooper Flagg added 33 points and nine rebounds. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 28 in the loss.

Sergio de Larrea, Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic, and Dereck Lively were out for the Mavericks. The Rockets were without Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, and Steven Adams.

Here are three stats that told the tale of Friday night’s NBA Cup win over Houston.

Zaccharie Risacher had another great defensive showing against the Rockets, finishing with three steals and a blocked shot. He plays hard on both ends of the floor, and his defensive plays create transition opportunities for the Mavericks on a night-in, night-out basis. To add to his strong defensive showing, Risacher went 3-of-6 from 3-point range, earning a new season-high mark in 3-pointers made. He hasn’t let previous poor shooting games affect his confidence. He finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists, combined with another impressive defensive showing as he continues to emerge as an elite defensive talent with an opportunity to grow his offensive game.

Cooper Flagg finished with 33 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block. He played aggressively on the offensive end, a continuing trend as his sophomore season progresses. His confidence has continued to grow, and he shows more of that with each game that passes. He scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, asserting his will and getting to his spots with ease, even through a Rockets defense with teeth clinched, geared up to stop him. The Mavericks are better when Flagg plays with aggression. Flagg’s sophomore season has been explosive, with him emerging as a top talent in the league. His performance on Friday was another reminder of his emerging greatness, even as a 19-year-old.

Kyrie Irving finished with a game-high 35 points in the win. He was the engine behind the Mavericks’ success tonight, scoring 24 of his points in the second half, giving the Mavericks the momentum needed to punch back at the Rockets. It felt like a classic Irving showing despite him recently returning from an ACL tear at 34 years old. He is one of the league’s most clutch players, coming up with key free throws in the game’s final moments. Friday’s win over Houston was a prime example of the importance of Irving’s offensive gifts to the Mavericks.

Oh, and by the way, the 68 combined points from Flagg and Irving completely turned the tables on Durant and Jabari Smith Jr.’s dominance in these two teams’ previous meeting, when the Houston duo scored 30 apiece in a blowout win over Dallas. Irving and Flagg combined to shoot 25-of-38 from the floor in the exhilarating win.

The Mavericks host the Sacramento Kings on Monday at 7 p.m. CT. NBA Cup Group Play continues on Friday, November 2nd.