Dallas Mavericks vs Houston Rockets Match Player Stats

Dallas Mavericks vs Houston Rockets match player stats from the December 6, 2025 meeting at American Airlines Center tell a much more interesting story than the 122-109 final score alone. Dallas defeated Houston by 13 points, but the real difference came from shooting efficiency, defensive activity, transition scoring, and a dominant third quarter led by Anthony Davis. Kevin Durant finished with 27 points for Houston, while Davis answered with 29 points on an outstanding 14-of-19 shooting performance.

For anyone studying this matchup, the most useful numbers are not simply the leading scorers. The box score shows how Dallas turned a tied halftime score into a comfortable win. The Mavericks scored 37 points in the third quarter while holding Houston to 20, created 13 steals, converted 49 of 82 field-goal attempts, and generated 26 fast-break points. Houston still shot 51 percent from the field, but Dallas produced the more efficient and disruptive performance.

There is also an important date detail worth clarifying. The game was played on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Dallas, with the NBA listing the game information into December 7 because of the late-night schedule. The final score was Dallas 122, Houston 109. That distinction matters when searching for the game online because some score databases display December 7 as the game date.

Dallas Mavericks vs Houston Rockets Match Player Stats

The headline numbers immediately identify the major contributors.

Anthony Davis led Dallas with 29 points and eight rebounds, shooting 14 of 19 from the field. Cooper Flagg added 19 points, while Brandon Williams supplied 20 points off the bench. Naji Marshall scored 15, P.J. Washington finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, and Ryan Nembhard contributed 11 points and seven assists.

For Houston, Kevin Durant led all Rockets scorers with 27 points. Jabari Smith Jr. added 22 points and eight rebounds, while Aaron Holiday scored 19. Reed Sheppard contributed 12 points. Amen Thompson was particularly valuable as a facilitator, finishing with six assists.

The game also featured an important absence. Alperen Sengun did not play because of illness, which affected Houston’s frontcourt structure and offensive options.

Key player numbers

Player	Team	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Notable contribution
Anthony Davis	Dallas	29	8	Notable interior impact	14-of-19 shooting
Brandon Williams	Dallas	20	1	5	Major bench scoring
Cooper Flagg	Dallas	19	5	3	Efficient scoring and transition play
Naji Marshall	Dallas	15	Notable two-way impact	Notable	Third-quarter contribution
P.J. Washington	Dallas	14	7	Notable	5 steals
Ryan Nembhard	Dallas	11	Notable	7	Dallas’ leading assist total
Kevin Durant	Houston	27	Notable	Notable	20 points before halftime
Jabari Smith Jr.	Houston	22	8	3	Strong scoring and rebounding
Aaron Holiday	Houston	19	2	Notable	Efficient perimeter scoring
Reed Sheppard	Houston	12	Notable	Notable	Bench backcourt production
Amen Thompson	Houston	Notable	Notable	6	Houston’s top assist total

The biggest individual headline belongs to Davis. His 29 points were not built around a high volume of difficult attempts. He made 14 of his 19 shots, meaning Dallas received elite efficiency from its primary interior scorer.

That efficiency became especially important in the third quarter.

Anthony Davis Was the Central Figure

Anthony Davis entered the game after an unusually poor offensive performance against Oklahoma City. In that previous game, he scored only two points on 1-of-9 shooting.

His response against Houston was immediate and significant.

Davis scored 29 points and shot 14-of-19 from the field. Even more important, he became the focal point of Dallas’ third-quarter attack. He made six of seven shots during the third quarter as the Mavericks transformed a close game into a decisive advantage.

That sequence illustrates why raw scoring totals can sometimes hide the most important part of a player’s performance.

Davis did not need to take 25 or 30 shots to control the game. His ability to convert efficiently around the basket and create pressure inside forced Houston to respond defensively. When the Rockets adjusted, Dallas had opportunities elsewhere.

The result was a Dallas offense that produced 60 percent shooting overall according to the supplied team figures, with the official game data listing 49 makes on 82 attempts.

That is a major offensive advantage.

Why Davis’ efficiency mattered

Consider the contrast.

Houston had a 27-point performance from Durant, but Durant’s scoring was concentrated heavily in the first half. He scored 20 points before halftime and did not return for the fourth quarter after Dallas built a substantial lead.

Davis, by comparison, became more influential as the game progressed.

That difference changed the shape of the contest. Houston’s star gave the Rockets an early offensive foundation, while Dallas’ star helped create the decisive separation after halftime.

For player evaluation, this is one of the most important lessons from the game: scoring volume is useful, but scoring timing and efficiency can be even more meaningful.

Kevin Durant Led Houston Early

Kevin Durant finished with 27 points, making him Houston’s leading scorer.

His first-half performance was particularly strong. Durant scored 20 points before halftime, helping Houston remain level with Dallas through two quarters.

That is important context because the final score makes the game look more one-sided than it actually was for much of the first half.

The Rockets entered halftime tied with Dallas. Houston had already demonstrated that its offense could score efficiently enough to compete.

The problem came after the break.

Dallas changed the game’s rhythm with aggressive defense, fast-break opportunities, and highly efficient interior scoring. Houston’s offense could not match the Mavericks’ third-quarter burst.

Durant’s fourth-quarter absence was also relevant. Once Dallas established a large advantage, Houston did not have its leading scorer available to lead a comeback attempt in the final period.

Cooper Flagg Continued to Show His Two-Way Potential

Cooper Flagg finished with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks according to the game coverage.

The scoring total was impressive, but the broader stat line is more revealing.

Flagg contributed in several areas instead of relying only on jump shooting. His defensive activity, transition movement, rebounding, and passing helped Dallas maintain pressure.

One particularly notable sequence came during the fourth quarter when Flagg finished a transition play with a powerful dunk. The play was symbolic of Dallas’ overall approach because the Mavericks repeatedly found ways to turn defensive activity into offense.

Flagg’s 19 points also made him Dallas’ third-highest scorer behind Davis and Brandon Williams.

For a young player, the ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories is often more valuable than simply chasing a high scoring total.

Brandon Williams Changed the Bench Battle

One of the quieter but extremely important stories in the box score was Brandon Williams.

Williams scored 20 points off the bench and added five assists and two steals. He shot 8-of-12 from the field, making his scoring output especially efficient.

Dallas needed that production because Houston had several capable scorers.

A 20-point bench contribution gives a team flexibility. It means the offense does not have to depend entirely on the starting group.

Williams also helped stabilize the second unit with his passing. His five assists were second only to Nembhard’s seven among the major Dallas contributors.

This is an area where simple player rankings can miss the point.

If someone looks only at the highest scoring player, Davis is the obvious answer. But if the question is which player helped Dallas maintain offensive pressure beyond its star, Williams deserves significant attention.

Ryan Nembhard’s Seven Assists Were Crucial

Ryan Nembhard scored 11 points and recorded seven assists.

The seven assists were the highest total for either Dallas player, making him one of the game’s most important facilitators.

Dallas finished with 22 assists as a team. Nembhard’s seven therefore represented a substantial portion of the Mavericks’ total playmaking production.

His contribution was particularly valuable because Dallas was not simply relying on individual isolation scoring.

The Mavericks’ best stretches involved movement, transition opportunities, interior pressure, and passes that created favorable shots.

Nembhard’s role was therefore larger than his 11-point scoring total suggests.

This is an excellent example of why users searching for player statistics should examine assists alongside points. A player can have a modest scoring night while still having a major effect on the team’s offensive structure.

P.J. Washington Was a Defensive Difference-Maker

P.J. Washington finished with 14 points and seven rebounds while recording five steals.

The five steals were particularly significant.

Dallas finished with 13 steals as a team, meaning Washington accounted for a substantial portion of that defensive activity by himself.

He also returned after missing the previous four games because of an ankle injury suffered during pregame warmups in Los Angeles.

His return provided Dallas with additional athleticism and defensive versatility.

Washington’s two consecutive dunks during Dallas’ third-quarter run were also part of the momentum shift. His ability to make defensive plays and then contribute offensively gave the Mavericks another way to punish Houston.

His performance is a good reminder that defensive statistics deserve the same attention as scoring totals when evaluating a close matchup.

Jabari Smith Jr. Provided Houston With a Strong Secondary Option

Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

He was Houston’s second-leading scorer behind Durant and tied for the Rockets’ best rebounding total.

Smith’s performance helped keep Houston competitive, particularly because the Rockets were missing Sengun.

His eight rebounds were important because Houston needed additional frontcourt production against Davis.

Smith also contributed three assists, giving him a well-rounded offensive line rather than a scoring-only performance.

The problem for Houston was that Smith’s production could not compensate for Dallas’ collective efficiency after halftime.

Aaron Holiday Delivered Efficient Scoring

Aaron Holiday finished with 19 points.

He shot 7-of-12 from the field, including 3-of-6 from three-point range, while also making both of his free-throw attempts.

That made him one of Houston’s most efficient offensive contributors.

Holiday’s performance is easy to overlook because Durant and Smith naturally receive more attention. But 19 points on 12 field-goal attempts is a meaningful contribution.

For Houston, his scoring helped keep the offense functional when Dallas began applying greater defensive pressure.

The larger issue was not that Houston lacked individual scoring. The Rockets had several players capable of producing points.

The issue was that Dallas generated more impact from those possessions.

Team Shooting Explains Much of the Result

The most revealing team statistic may be field-goal percentage.

Houston made 44 of 87 field-goal attempts, approximately 51 percent.

Dallas made 49 of 82, approximately 60 percent.

That difference is enormous.

Dallas attempted five fewer shots but made five more field goals.

The Mavericks therefore did not need a huge advantage in shot volume. They simply converted their opportunities at a substantially higher rate.

This is one reason the final score reached 122 points despite Dallas attempting only 82 shots from the field.

Three-point shooting was not the main story

Houston made 10 of 29 three-point attempts, around 34 percent.

Dallas made seven of 19, around 37 percent.

Dallas therefore had only a modest percentage advantage from three-point range.

The game was not won because the Mavericks suddenly became an elite three-point shooting team.

Instead, the more important advantage came from overall field-goal efficiency and points generated inside the arc.

That distinction matters.

A casual box-score reading might lead someone to assume the winning team simply shot better from three. That was not the primary reason Dallas won.

Dallas Dominated the Third Quarter

The third quarter was the turning point.

Houston scored 20 points.

Dallas scored 37.

That produced a 17-point single-quarter advantage.

The game had been tied at halftime.

After one quarter, Dallas led 29-26.

Houston responded in the second quarter by outscoring Dallas 31-28.

At halftime, the teams were level.

Then Dallas exploded.

Quarter-by-quarter score

Quarter	Houston	Dallas	Dallas quarter margin
First	26	29	+3
Second	31	28	-3
Third	20	37	+17
Fourth	32	28	-4
Final	109	122	+13

This table tells the story more clearly than the final score.

Dallas did not gradually pull away.

The Mavericks created the decisive gap during one extraordinary third quarter.

That is a valuable analytical point because it changes how the individual performances should be interpreted. Davis’ third-quarter efficiency, Washington’s defensive activity, Dallas’ transition offense, and the team’s defensive pressure all arrived at the same time.

Dallas Turned Defense Into Offense

Dallas recorded 13 steals compared with eight for Houston.

The Mavericks also produced 26 fast-break points.

That combination is significant.

Steals do not automatically produce fast-break points, but they create opportunities for quick offense. Dallas repeatedly used defensive pressure to create easier scoring situations before Houston’s defense could get organized.

The Mavericks also had 74 points in the paint.

That is another major clue.

Dallas’ offense was not dependent on outside shooting. The team attacked the interior, finished efficiently, and used transition opportunities.

Houston, meanwhile, scored 58 points in the paint.

The difference was 16 points in favor of Dallas.

When combined with the shooting percentage gap, that interior advantage becomes one of the clearest explanations for the result.

Houston Actually Rebounded Better

One interesting correction to the supplied data is the rebounding figure.

The official team statistics show Houston with 45 total rebounds and Dallas with 37.

That means Houston won the overall rebounding battle by eight.

This is important because it demonstrates why a team can win comfortably without dominating every statistical category.

Houston had more rebounds.

Houston shot 51 percent.

Houston scored 109 points.

Houston had 22 assists.

Yet Dallas still won by 13.

The difference was efficiency, turnovers, defensive disruption, and the explosive third quarter.

This is precisely why evaluating a basketball game through one statistic can be misleading.

Turnovers Were Another Important Difference

Dallas committed 13 turnovers, while Houston committed 20 according to the detailed game statistics.

That seven-turnover gap mattered.

Possessions are valuable in basketball. Giving away seven more possessions than the opponent creates opportunities for the other team to score while simultaneously taking opportunities away from your own offense.

Dallas also recorded 13 steals.

Houston had eight.

The defensive activity therefore went in Dallas’ favor while Houston was also losing possessions through turnovers.

The combination created a powerful possession advantage.

Free-Throw Shooting Was Nearly Identical

Both teams were highly efficient from the free-throw line.

Houston made 11 of 13 attempts, about 85 percent.

Dallas made 17 of 20, also about 85 percent.

This means free throws were not the major separator.

Dallas did attempt seven more free throws, creating six additional made free throws.

But compared with the overall shooting and turnover differences, free-throw accuracy itself was not the central story.

The Mavericks simply reached the line more often and converted at almost exactly the same rate.

What the Player Stats Say About the Matchup

The most useful way to interpret the numbers is to divide them into four areas.

1. Star efficiency

Davis had the most efficient major scoring performance of the game.

His 29 points on 14-of-19 shooting gave Dallas a reliable offensive foundation.

Durant’s 27 points were excellent, particularly because 20 came in the first half, but the game moved away from Houston after halftime.

2. Supporting scoring

Dallas received 20 points from Williams, 19 from Flagg, 15 from Marshall, and 14 from Washington.

That is a balanced scoring structure.

Houston received 22 from Smith and 19 from Holiday behind Durant.

Both teams had secondary production, but Dallas’ distribution fit more effectively with its overall offensive efficiency.

3. Defensive disruption

Washington’s five steals and Dallas’ 13 total steals stand out.

The Mavericks were able to create defensive events that led to offensive opportunities.

4. Playmaking

Nembhard’s seven assists and Williams’ five assists helped Dallas produce 22 assists.

Houston also recorded 22 assists, so passing volume alone did not separate the teams.

The more important question is what happened after those passes.

Dallas converted its offensive opportunities at a much higher field-goal rate.

The Absence of Alperen Sengun Changed Houston’s Offensive Shape

Any serious analysis of this game has to account for Sengun’s absence.

Houston was without one of its primary offensive creators and interior hubs because of illness.

That does not mean the Rockets could not score. Durant, Smith, Holiday, and others still produced.

But Sengun’s absence changed the way Houston could attack.

Against a Dallas team featuring Davis, interior creation becomes especially important.

Sengun’s passing ability from the frontcourt can help Houston move the ball, create mismatches, and generate shots without relying entirely on perimeter scoring.

Without him, Houston had to lean more heavily on other creators.

The 109-point total shows that the Rockets still generated offense. The problem was matching Dallas’ efficiency and defensive pressure.

Why the Final Score Is Slightly Misleading

Dallas won by 13, but the game was not a wire-to-wire blowout.

The teams were tied at halftime.

Houston scored 32 points in the fourth quarter, four more than Dallas.

The reason the Rockets could not complete the comeback was that the deficit created during the third quarter was too large.

This is an important distinction for readers trying to understand the game.

The fourth quarter did not belong to Dallas.

The third quarter did.

Dallas essentially built the winning margin in one period and then managed the advantage.

That makes the 37-point third quarter the single most important team statistic in the game.

A Closer Look at Dallas’ Offensive Formula

Dallas’ offense worked because several strengths reinforced each other.

First, Davis created high-efficiency interior scoring.

Second, Dallas pushed the pace and generated 26 fast-break points.

Third, Nembhard and Williams provided enough playmaking to keep the offense moving.

Fourth, Flagg and Washington added scoring without requiring the entire offense to run through one player.

Finally, Dallas protected possessions better than Houston.

The result was an offense that produced 122 points without needing exceptional three-point volume.

Dallas attempted only 19 three-pointers.

That is a notable detail.

The Mavericks won through efficiency and pressure rather than relying on a barrage of perimeter shots.

A Closer Look at Houston’s Offensive Formula

Houston’s attack was more dependent on its top scorers.

Durant’s 27 points were crucial.

Smith added 22.

Holiday produced 19.

Those three players accounted for a large share of Houston’s scoring.

That production was enough to keep the Rockets within reach through halftime.

However, once Dallas increased its defensive pressure, Houston struggled to maintain the same efficiency.

The Rockets finished with 18 turnovers in the supplied summary data, while the detailed team data lists 20 turnovers. For accuracy, the detailed box-score figure of 20 should be used when publishing the final article.

This discrepancy illustrates why publishers should verify box-score figures against the official game record rather than combining numbers from different summaries.

The Most Important Statistical Lessons

There are several useful lessons from this matchup.

Field-goal percentage can outweigh three-point volume

Dallas did not shoot dramatically better from three.

Instead, it made a much higher percentage of its overall field-goal attempts.

One quarter can decide an entire game

The 17-point third-quarter difference turned a tied game into a Dallas victory.

Defensive statistics can create offensive advantages

Dallas’ 13 steals were not merely defensive achievements. They contributed to a faster offensive attack.

Bench scoring matters

Williams’ 20 points gave Dallas another reliable source of offense.

Rebounding alone does not determine the winner

Houston won the overall rebounding battle but still lost by 13.

Star performance must be judged in context

Durant’s 27 points were excellent.

Davis’ 29 were even more influential because they came with exceptional efficiency and arrived during the period when Dallas took control.

What Fantasy Basketball Readers Should Take From the Game

For fantasy basketball analysis, this matchup offers several useful signals.

Davis’ 29 points and eight rebounds demonstrate his scoring ceiling when he receives efficient interior opportunities.

Flagg’s 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks show the value of a multi-category contribution.

Washington’s 14 points, seven rebounds, and five steals highlight how defensive statistics can dramatically increase fantasy value.

Nembhard’s 11 points and seven assists show why assist totals can be more important than scoring totals for certain roster constructions.

For Houston, Durant’s 27 points and Smith’s 22 points were obvious scoring contributions. Holiday’s 19 points also stood out because of his shooting efficiency.

However, fantasy interpretation should always distinguish between a single-game performance and a sustainable season-long trend.

One game can reveal usage, role, or opportunity, but it should not automatically be treated as proof of a permanent change.

What the Game Means for Team Evaluation

Dallas’ victory was meaningful because it demonstrated multiple ways to win.

The Mavericks could score inside.

They could run.

They could defend aggressively.

They could receive major bench production.

They could create turnovers.

They could survive a strong rebounding performance from the opponent.

That combination is more encouraging than simply looking at a 122-point total.

Houston also showed positives.

The Rockets shot 51 percent from the field.

Durant remained an elite offensive weapon.

Smith produced 22 points and eight rebounds.

Holiday added 19 efficient points.

The problem was that Dallas’ strengths lined up directly against Houston’s weaknesses on this particular night.

Why the Third Quarter Deserves More Attention Than the Final Score

If there is one number to remember from this game, it should be Dallas’ 37 third-quarter points.

If there is one individual performance to remember, it should be Davis’ 29 points on 14-of-19 shooting.

If there is one defensive statistic to remember, it should be Dallas’ 13 steals.

And if there is one supporting contribution to remember, it should be Williams’ 20 points off the bench.

Together, those numbers explain the victory far better than the final score by itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the top scorer in the Dallas Mavericks vs Houston Rockets game?

Anthony Davis led Dallas with 29 points. Kevin Durant led Houston with 27 points.

What was the final score between Dallas and Houston?

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets 122-109.

How many points did Anthony Davis score against the Rockets?

Anthony Davis scored 29 points and made 14 of 19 field-goal attempts.

How many points did Kevin Durant score against Dallas?

Kevin Durant scored 27 points. He scored 20 of those points in the first half and did not play in the fourth quarter.

Who led the Mavericks in assists?

Ryan Nembhard led Dallas with seven assists.

Who had the most steals for Dallas?

P.J. Washington led the Mavericks with five steals, matching a career high.

Conclusion

The Dallas Mavericks’ 122-109 victory over the Houston Rockets was built on efficiency, defensive pressure, and a decisive third-quarter surge.

Anthony Davis was the centerpiece, scoring 29 points on 14-of-19 shooting while adding eight rebounds. Cooper Flagg supplied 19 points and contributed across several categories. Brandon Williams delivered 20 points from the bench, while Ryan Nembhard’s seven assists helped organize the offense. P.J. Washington added 14 points, seven rebounds, and five steals in his return.

Houston had strong individual performances of its own. Kevin Durant scored 27 points, Jabari Smith Jr. added 22 points and eight rebounds, and Aaron Holiday scored 19. Yet Houston could not overcome Dallas’ superior field-goal efficiency, turnover advantage, defensive disruption, and explosive third quarter.

The most revealing detail is that Houston actually won the rebounding battle. That makes the result a useful example of why basketball analysis should go beyond one box-score category. Dallas won because it converted possessions more effectively, generated more defensive events, attacked in transition, and produced its best basketball when the game was still there to be won.

For readers examining the player statistics, the central takeaway is simple: Davis supplied the headline performance, but Dallas won through a collection of connected contributions. That combination turned a tied halftime contest into a 13-point Mavericks victory.