CLEVELAND — In a dynamic display of basketball, Evan Mobley led the Cleveland Cavaliers with 22 points, contributing to a remarkable first half where the team set a franchise record of 91 points. The Cavaliers dominated the Dallas Mavericks, securing a decisive 144-101 victory on Sunday. This game followed the Mavericks’ blockbuster trade that saw superstar Luka Doncic depart for the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
In addition to Mobley’s performance, Darius Garland also shone, notching 17 points alongside 10 assists as Cleveland solidified its position as the league’s best team, now boasting an impressive record of 40-9. Sam Merrill made a significant impact as well, draining nine 3-pointers, which contributed to a franchise record of 26 three-pointers made during the game.
The Mavericks made the bold decision to part ways with Doncic, a five-time All-Star and the cornerstone of their franchise, in hopes of bolstering their championship aspirations with Davis, who is recognized as one of the league’s elite two-way players. Davis is set to team up in Dallas with All-Star guard Kyrie Irving; however, Irving’s absence due to injury meant he could not participate in this game. With an undermanned roster, the Mavericks faced a tough challenge against the Cavs.
Cleveland wasted no time establishing their dominance, starting strong and putting up a franchise record 50 points in the first quarter alone. The Cavaliers maintained their relentless pace, leading by as many as 45 points by halftime. This impressive first half tally of 91 points stands among the highest in NBA history, ranking as the third most scored in a single half.
For the Mavericks, Jaden Hardy was the standout scorer with 21 points. However, the team’s depth was significantly impacted as they fielded only 10 active players due to injuries. Irving (shoulder), forward P.J. Washington Jr. (knee), and centers Daniel Gafford (ankle), Dereck Lively II (ankle), and Dwight Powell (hip) were all sidelined during this match.
The Cavaliers used this game as an opportunity to gear up for their upcoming match against the Boston Celtics, a team that previously ended Cleveland’s impressive 15-game winning streak at the beginning of the season.
A pivotal moment in the game came when Garland knocked down three consecutive 3-pointers, quickly giving the Cavaliers an early 27-9 lead that would set the tone for the rest of the game. In terms of team performance, the Cavaliers extended their remarkable streak to 54 consecutive games with 10 or more 3-pointers, tying them with the Portland Trail Blazers for the fourth longest in NBA history; the all-time record is held by the Houston Rockets, boasting 97 games.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks are set to face off against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, while the Cavaliers will host the defending champion Celtics, marking an important matchup as they aim to continue their success.
