3 Studs and 1 dud from Rockets' upset win over Mavericks

The Houston Rockets are getting confusing.

When they extended Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green this summer, it was commonly understood that Sengun's deal was a bargain, and Green's was an albatross. So far in 2024-25, the opposite is true.

Meanwhile, early losses to the Hornets and Spurs did not bode well for the Rockets' playoff hopes. These were teams they were supposed to beat. What would they do on the road against a championship contender like the Mavericks?

About that...

Last night, the Rockets beat the Mavs by a final score of 108-102. Sengun bounced back, but he didn't carry the day.

Here are three players who did (and one who didn't).

Stud: Jalen Green

This wasn't Green's best game of the season. Yet, in some respects, it was his starriest moment. Down the stretch, Green hit two exceedingly difficult shots to seal this one for Houston.

Otherwise, Green collected an impressive 12 rebounds throughout this contest. He was consistent on defense. If we were going to knock him, we'd point out his five turnovers to go with four assists.

Still, if this is a bad game for Green, the Rockets have a star on their hands. He finished with 23 points on an acceptable 9/21 shooting from the field. Green was the focal point of Dallas' defense, and he mostly responded - especially when it mattered the most.

Stud: Tari Eason

We all missed Tari Eason, right?

Watching this kid play basketball is a joy - as long as he's on your team. If you're rooting for the opposition, Eason is likely to get under your skin. Like a sci-fi movie about interdimensional travel, Eason is everywhere, all at once.

Last night, Eason's offense was impressive. He scored 15 points on 6/10 shooting from the field. That's impressive output for just 18 minutes of action. Eason's handle looks tighter. Even though he was injured for much of last year, he has evidently been working.

In time, Ime Udoka may need to find more minutes for him. Eason is an energizer, and the team feeds off of him. For now, we'll take any minutes from him that we can get.

Stud: Amen Thompson

Thompson's stat line was not gaudy in this one. He had 10 points and 4 rebounds. If you watched the game, you know that the numbers don't tell the whole story.

Luka Doncic was not his usual self last night. Yes, he had 29 points, but he only managed 2 assists. If not for a flurry of offense in the fourth quarter, his numbers would look even weaker.

Thompson had a lot to do with that. He guarded Doncic about as well as anyone can throughout this contest. He frustrated him, fighting through screens and using his quick hands to disrupt Doncic's dribble.

Thompson is going to do whatever Udoka asks of him. He's willing to function as a role player. Still, a turnaround jumper in the midrange area in the fourth quarter was encouraging. Thompson's halfcourt offense is coming along gradually, but there are signs of life. Given how valuable he is on the other end, the Rockets will live with that.

Dud: Fred VanVleet

There is growing concern about Fred VanVleet. In 2024-25, he's shooting 34% from the field.

Last night, his inefficiency was on full display. VanVleet finished 2/13 from the field, and 0/7 from deep. Early in the fourth quarter, he nearly shot the Rockets out of the game with a pair of ill-advised, contested triples.

It's worrisome. VanVleet is supposed to organize this offense. So far, he's making a habit of breaking it this year. If he isn't guiding this team to victory, the Rockets are misallocating a lot of money in his direction.

VanVleet will likely improve throughout the year. His point of attack defense and leadership are still appreciated. Still, the Rockets will need him to start knocking down shots if they're going to be playoff-bound in 2024-25.

Last night, he turned in another dud performance.