DALLAS (AP) — In a dazzling display of talent, Evan Mobley propelled the Cleveland Cavaliers to an impressive 134-122 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 34 points and 10 rebounds. The triumph marks the Cavaliers’ ninth straight victory, cementing their position atop the NBA standings with a remarkable 30-4 record.
The Cavaliers completed a perfect four-game road trip through the Western Conference, maintaining an impeccable 10-0 record against Western teams this season. All nine wins in this series have been achieved by a comfortable double-digit points margin.
The Mavericks faced a tough challenge, being without their two All-Star guards, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Irving was out due to illness, while Doncic has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury in the Mavericks’ loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day.
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Caris LeVert played a significant role off the bench for the Cavaliers, adding 17 points to the scoreboard.
For the Mavericks, Quentin Grimes led the team with 26 points, including 20 in the third quarter. Despite this effort, the Mavericks have now suffered four straight losses, tying their longest losing streak of the season. Jaden Hardy chipped in with 17 points coming off the bench, while Klay Thompson scored 16 points, all in the first half.
The Cavaliers took control quickly, going on a 20-point run to turn a 21-17 deficit late in the first quarter into a stunning 37-21 lead early in the second quarter. Their largest lead of the night reached 27 points.
In dramatic fashion, the Cleveland Cavaliers responded impressively after two straight three-pointers from Thompson, which brought the Mavericks closer to 64-53 with 44 seconds remaining in the first half. However, Cleveland closed out that half with five straight points, with LeVert hitting a three-pointer from the left corner just before the siren to extend the lead to 69-53.
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The Cavaliers showed off their defensive power, outscoring the Mavericks 18-0 in turnovers in the first half and tying a season low with just eight turnovers, including just two in the first half. .
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers are set to host the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night, while the Mavericks will travel to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
NBA AP: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
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