The Dallas Mavericks (4-2) found themselves down early against the Houston Rockets (4-2), giving up 37 points in the first quarter.  The Mavericks defense woke up after that and they went on to outscore the Rockets in every quarter from then on.  Eric Dampier was a force for the Mavericks, giving them 14 points, 20 rebounds, and 3 blocks.  He did pick up 5 fouls, but he was the main reason the Mavericks out-rebounded the Rockets 46-37.

Dirk Nowitzki had an off night from the field, going 6 for 15, but he was a perfect 10-10 from the line.  He had a good all around night, getting 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 blocked shot.  Jason Kidd did what he has always done in his career, dishing it out and finishing with 5 points, 11 assists, 1 steal, and 1 blocked shot.  The Mavericks did a good job bouncing back after that bad first quarter, and their defense settled in very well in the second half.  They gave up only 13 points in the 3rd quarter and cruised to an easy win in the 4th quarter.  The Mavericks cannot make a habit out of slow starts though, especially defensively.