The Cleveland Cavaliers (40-9) delivered a historic performance on Sunday, setting a franchise record with 91 first-half points in a 144-101 rout of the Dallas Mavericks (26-24), who were playing just hours after trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis.
Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 22 points, while Darius Garland contributed 17 points and 10 assists as Cleveland maintained the NBA’s best record. Sam Merrill came off the bench to make nine 3-pointers, helping the Cavaliers set a new team record with 26 made threes.
Dallas, still adjusting after sending its five-time All-Star to Los Angeles, played shorthanded with Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington Jr., Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Dwight Powell all sidelined. Jaden Hardy was the lone bright spot for the Mavericks, scoring a team-high 21 points.
Cleveland wasted no time taking control, exploding for 50 first-quarter points, their highest mark in franchise history. By halftime, they led 91-46, tying for the third-most points ever in an opening half.
The Mavericks struggled from deep, shooting just 9-of-43 (20.9%) from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers shot a blistering 57.8% from three, with Merrill’s nine triples leading the way.
Anthony Davis, who arrived in the blockbuster trade, was unavailable as the deal was still being finalized. The move pairs Davis with Irving in Dallas, forming a new All-Star duo as the Mavericks attempt to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
Cleveland’s depth overwhelmed Dallas, as 10 Cavaliers scored at least eight points. Jarrett Allen had 14 points and nine rebounds, while Donovan Mitchell recorded 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists in just 23 minutes.
For Dallas, the loss marks the beginning of a new chapter without Doncic, and the team will now await the arrival of Davis to see if he can fill the void left by their former superstar.
