Houston’s defense locked down Kyrie Irving, limiting him to 15 points, and the Rockets rolled to a 128-110 win over Dallas in the season opener. Irving, returning after sitting out a full season, faced constant double‑teams and committed three turnovers in the first half. The Rockets built a 32‑point lead by halftime, the largest halftime deficit for a first‑year head coach in NBA history. Dallas struggled offensively in the second quarter, shooting 4‑of‑19 from the field and turning the ball over repeatedly. Mavericks coach Dusty May, fresh off a national championship at Michigan, said his team lost composure and gave up 20 fast‑break points in the first half. Despite the blowout, May praised his team’s effort in three quarters, while Irving acknowledged he needs to be more aggressive against double‑teams. Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 32 points, but the Mavericks lacked defensive communication and struggled to set a tone.
