Dallas Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis drops 35 in loss to Rockets

Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis scored a season-high 35 points, but it was not enough as the team fell to the Rockets in Houston on Jan. 31.

The Dallas Mavericks were back out on the road on Friday evening. It was the first of a back-to-back set against the Houston Rockets. The Mavs return home to face the Hawks on Saturday.

Luka Doncic missed the game after suffering an ankle injury during Thursday’s practice. He had an MRI on Jan. 31. Doncic was ruled out for at least six games starting with the contest against the Rockets. Fans looking for more information can click here.

The Rockets were without Clint Capela, so they decided to play small. Coach Rick Carlisle countered by starting Ryan Broekhoff and J.J. Barea. The Mavericks fell behind early and ultimately lost to the Rockets 128-121. Houston made history by not playing someone taller than 6’6 in the entire game.

James Harden and Russell Westbrook were both incredible for the Rockets. Harden had 35 points, 16 rebounds, and four assists in 37 minutes. Westbrook produced 32 points and nine dimes in 40 minutes.

Porzingis’ best game of the season

Kristaps Porzingis led the way for Dallas with 35 points and 12 rebounds. He had an incredible height advantage all night. The Unicorn kept the Mavs in the game on Friday.

He produced a few plays worth remembering too. Here he slams home a dunk in the first quarter.

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Porzingis showed off his shooting range in the second quarter.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1223418166497419264

The Mavs need him to step up with Luka Doncic out. KP did an incredible job on Friday evening. There is no shame in losing to a tough Rockets team that shot the ball well all night. The Mavs need to get back on track at home against the Hawks, though.

Here is a look at Porzingis’ best plays from the Jan. 31 contest.

It was just the fourth time this season that the Dallas Mavericks have lost two straight games. They haven’t dropped three in a row yet.

The schedule during Luka’s absence is jammed packed, but friendly. They have seven games remaining before the All-Star break. Only two are against teams with over .500 records, though. The rest of the Mavericks are going to have to step up with the 20-year-old star sidelined.

The Smoking Cuban will be back with plenty more on each game plus analysis on Dallas Mavericks that is unrivaled, so locking into the site is recommended for fans.