Recently acquired big man Kelly Olynyk had 10 points and a career-high 18 rebounds as the Houston Rockets stunned the visiting Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday at Toyota Center, 102-93 (box score). Olynyk also had 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocked shots in 34 minutes played.
The Mavs (28-22) entered the game with a season-long winning streak of five games, while the Rockets (14-37) had lost 27 of their last 29 games. For Dallas, it’s a painful loss as they jockey for playoff positioning in the tightly packed Western Conference. From Houston’s perspective, it’s a confidence-building win in a rocky and injury plagued season.
With Wednesday’s victory, the Rockets secured the 2020-21 season series against their Texas rivals by a 2-1 margin.
Veteran guard John Wall returned from injury and had a game-high 31 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals, while star center Christian Wood had another double-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and five made 3-pointers. For a second straight game, Wood started with Olynyk in a larger frontcourt, and it’s already paying off for head coach Stephen Silas.
The Mavs were led in defeat by 23 points apiece from Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic. However, strong defense by Jae’Sean Tate, Kevin Porter Jr., and Wall flustered Doncic into 9-of-26 shooting (34.6%).
Dallas tied the game at 89 with 2:35 remaining before Houston closed the game on a decisive 13-4 run. See below for highlights and reaction.
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I always knew Kelly Olynyk was a solid (albeit unspectacular) player. But I never realized just how good he was until he joined the #Rockets. Fundamentally sound in so many aspects of his game.
— David Weiner (@BimaThug) April 8, 2021
👀 @Kevinporterjr ➡️ @KellyOlynyk #Rockets lead the Mavs 52-48 in the 3rd
Join us NOW on AT&T SportsNet pic.twitter.com/jTK7EfuCIY
— AT&T SportsNet SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) April 8, 2021
The pass from Kelly Olynyk and the screen by Jae'Sean Tate for the Christian Wood three! pic.twitter.com/N0QDHiz82U
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) April 8, 2021