The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 138-105 in the opener of a home-and-home series on Friday night.
Cavs’ Evan Mobley matched his season high with 29 points and seven rebounds in just 23 minutes. Donovan MItchell had 24 points, while James Harden finished 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
Mobley had 16 points in the first quarter and was already up to 23 by halftime, the second-highest scoring half of his career.
On the other hand, Cooper Flagg scored 25 points for the Mavericks, who were coming off a victory in Memphis that snapped an eight-game losing streak. Naji Marshall added 17 points.
Cleveland led 38-21 after shooting 60% overall and on 3-pointers in the first quarter.
Mitchell scored 10 points in the second quarter and it was 67-50 at the break with Mobley 10 for 12.
The Cavaliers dethroned the Mavericks for seven consecutive.
Both teams will meet again on Sunday in Cleveland.
