In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, the Cleveland Cavaliers extended their winning streak to nine games with a 134-122 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. This game, held in Dallas, showcased the talent of Evan Mobley, who led the Cavaliers with 34 points and 10 rebounds. With this win, the Cavaliers improved their impressive record to 30-4, dominating the Western Conference with a perfect 10-0 record against that division.
The Mavericks, unfortunately, had to contend with the absence of their superstar guards, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Doncic has been nursing a calf strain since their Christmas Day loss to Minnesota, while Irving was sidelined due to illness. In their stead, Quentin Grimes stood out for the Mavericks, scoring 26 points, with a significant contribution coming in the third quarter where he put up 20 points. Jaden Hardy contributed 17 points off the bench, but the team’s efforts fell short as they secured their fourth consecutive loss.
The Cavaliers demonstrated their dominance early, overcoming a 21-17 deficit with a remarkable surge that saw them take a commanding 37-21 lead. Their performance was particularly notable in the first half, where they outscored the Mavericks 18-0 in points off turnovers and showcased their defensive prowess as they limited themselves to just eight turnovers overall.
In a pivotal moment of the game, consecutive three-pointers from Klay Thompson temporarily narrowed the Mavericks’ deficit to 64-53, but the Cavaliers quickly regained control, ending the half strong at 69-53.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will aim to continue their winning momentum when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will be eager to turn their fortunes around as they prepare to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.
This match further illustrates the Cavaliers’ growth as a formidable force in the NBA, as they consistently showcase both offensive firepower and strong defensive capabilities. With players stepping up in key moments, the future looks bright for Cleveland as they aim for continued success in the league.