The Dallas Mavericks handed the Houston Rockets their first defeat of the 2026-27 NBA season on Friday night, delivering down the stretch in a 116-111 victory.

After a year of waiting, the Mavericks are finally beginning to see exactly what they anticipated from the combination of Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. Flagg was the Rookie of the Year last season, but he's benefited from Irving's presence on the court.

The win over Houston was a perfect example. Trailing by 8 points entering the fourth quarter, the Mavericks outscored the Rockets 40-27 in the final frame.

Flagg and Irving led the charge, combining for 27 points over the final 12 minutes.…