Jeremy Lin scored 19 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough to lift the Houston Rockets past the Dallas Mavericks as they fell, 105-100, on the road on Wednesday night.
Rockets vs. Mavericks final score: Turnovers doom Houston, 105-100
The Mavs continued their recent dominance of the in-state rival Rockets en route to a season-high fourth consecutive win in a game that had all the makings of a heated grudge match.
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It was Dallas’ 450th consecutive home sellout, and the action didn’t disappoint.
It was a tightly contested game one would expect from a rivalry tilt, as there were four lead changes and six ties. Houston (21-19), though, could not overcome their 16 turnovers, which resulted in 24 points for Dallas (17-23) and included a critical giveaway by Lin that sealed the Rockets’ fate.
Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavs with 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Shawn Marion and O.J. Mayo added 18 points apiece.
Neither team shot particularly well from the field, with Dallas going 33-of-86 for 38.4 percent while Houston was 33-of-84 for a mark of 39.3 percent.
Dallas pulled away early with a 29-18 first quarter behind nine fast break points and nine forced turnovers that resulted in 12 points. The Rockets, however, eased their way back into the game with steady shooting. They were down as many as 15 points, including 11 behind with less than seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Dallas shot 43 free throws and made 12-of-13 in the fourth quarter to help secure the win.
Both teams will return to action on Friday night. The Mavericks host the league-leading Thunder, while Houston will hit the road to take on the Indiana Pacers.
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