Davis, Flagg Propel Mavericks Past Durant, Rockets

Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis powered the Dallas Mavericks to a 122-109 home win over Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets. Davis finished with 29 points and eight rebounds on 14-of-19 shooting, Flagg added 19 with five boards, two steals and two blocks, and Brandon Williams scored 20 off the bench. The Mavs rallied from a tied halftime, outscored Houston by 17 in the third, and improved to 9-16 after winning four of five. Merlin sees this as a confidence spark more than a turning point. Davis answered a poor night with efficient aggression, and Flagg’s two-way play hints at a rising young core. Dallas still needs health and lineup consistency to climb the West; Houston’s slide on the back-to-back is a reminder that standing pat won’t guarantee order.