Sliding into a double-digit hole quickly after the opening tipoff Wednesday against the rival Rockets, the Mavericks’ starters surrendered a 21-4 run at the beginning of the game in just their second outing together this preseason. The Mavericks (2-4) then inched their way back into the game behind the play of their reserves, pulling to within one before looking up to a 47-38 deficit entering into the halftime intermission.
The Dallas starters returned to the court from there, finding some success in the third quarter before seeing the Rockets separate themselves again in the final period against Dallas’ second unit.