Alperen Şengün’s late layup seals Rockets’ 111-107 win over Mavericks in tight Toyota Center finish

Houston holds off late Dallas rally behind final-minute execution

The Houston Rockets edged the Dallas Mavericks 111-107 at Toyota Center on Feb. 1, 2026, with Alperen Şengün providing the go-ahead basket in the closing seconds of a game that repeatedly tightened in the fourth quarter. The result improved Houston’s home record to 17-4 and continued a recent stretch in which the Rockets have stacked wins despite uneven shooting nights from key scorers.

With the score tied at 107 in the final minute, Şengün converted a layup with 28.6 seconds remaining to put Houston back in front. Dallas had chances to respond, but missed shots and late-game possessions that did not result in points allowed the Rockets to close the game at the free-throw line and on a late dunk that restored a two-possession margin.

Amen Thompson drives Houston’s pace and playmaking

Amen Thompson led Houston with 21 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, combining transition pressure with half-court creation when possessions slowed late. Jabari Smith Jr. added 19 points, while Houston also received important scoring from its rotation as the game moved into a more physical, possession-by-possession finish.

Şengün’s overall stat line reflected a broader impact than his final shot: 14 points and 14 rebounds, along with playmaking that helped Houston generate extra possessions through rebounding and second-chance opportunities. Even as his shooting efficiency fluctuated, the Rockets continued to rely on his screening, interior presence and decision-making from the elbows and low post.

Cooper Flagg powers Mavericks comeback but late margin proves decisive

Dallas was led by rookie Cooper Flagg, who scored 34 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while repeatedly creating offense as the Mavericks attempted to erase a fourth-quarter deficit. The Mavericks narrowed the gap multiple times, including a late sequence that brought the score level, but could not produce the final stops or conversions needed to take the lead.

Houston briefly created separation in the fourth quarter, extending the advantage to 11 before Dallas responded with perimeter shooting and finishes in the lane. The Mavericks cut the margin to two in the final two minutes, setting up the final exchange that ended with Şengün’s go-ahead basket and Houston’s defensive rebound that prevented an immediate answer.

Key game markers

• Final score: Rockets 111, Mavericks 107 (Feb. 1, 2026, Toyota Center).
• Rockets leaders: Amen Thompson (21 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds), Jabari Smith Jr. (19 points).
• Şengün’s closing impact: 14 points, 14 rebounds, plus the go-ahead layup with 28.6 seconds left.
• Mavericks leader: Cooper Flagg (34 points, 12 rebounds).

In a game that repeatedly swung on single possessions, Houston’s final-minute organization—paired with a timely interior finish—ultimately separated the teams.

The Rockets’ win underscored a recurring theme of their season: even when primary scorers endure inefficient stretches, Houston has increasingly leaned on defense, rebounding and late-game execution to secure outcomes in close Western Conference matchups.