Mavericks Bounce Back, Defeat Cavaliers 130-120
CLEVELAND (AP) – Cooper Flagg scored 27 points, Naji Marshall added 25 and the Dallas Mavericks recovered from a 33-point loss to Cleveland two days prior to defeat the Cavaliers 130-120 on Sunday afternoon.
The Mavericks, who were routed 138-105 on Friday night, pulled away in the second half to snap a seven-game losing streak against the Cavaliers. It was a much-needed win for a Dallas team that had been struggling, having won just twice in their previous 11 games.
P.J. Washington contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds for Dallas. Flagg, the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, shot 10-of-17 from the field and also recorded 10 assists and six rebounds in 33 minutes. This marked his 12th game this season reaching at least 27 points.
Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 26 points, while Max Strus scored 24 points in his season debut. Strus, a seventh-year player, had been sidelined for the first 67 games due to a fracture in his left foot.
Strus sustained a Jones fracture – a break in the bone connecting the little toe to the base of the foot – during preseason workouts and underwent surgery on August 26th. His return provided a spark for the Cavaliers, but ultimately wasn’t enough to overcome a determined Mavericks squad.
Turnaround Fueled by Ball Security
A key factor in Dallas’s victory was their improved ball security. The Cavaliers committed 16 turnovers, which resulted in 25 points for the Mavericks. This was a stark contrast to Friday’s game, where Dallas struggled to protect the ball. The Mavericks capitalized on those opportunities, converting turnovers into fast-break points and easy baskets.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, featuring 11 lead changes and seven ties before Dallas took a 60-59 advantage into the break. The game remained competitive through much of the third quarter, but the Mavericks began to assert their dominance late in the period and carried that momentum into the fourth.
Rookie Contributions Shine
Beyond Flagg’s impressive performance, rookie John Poulakidas made a significant impact for Dallas. Poulakidas scored 10 points in his second NBA game, adding eight points and two rebounds in the third quarter. The Yale graduate, who signed a two-way contract on March 1st, provided a valuable boost off the bench.
The Mavericks extended their lead to as many as 21 points in the fourth quarter before the Cavaliers mounted a late comeback attempt. However, Dallas was able to withstand the challenge and secure the victory. The win provides a much-needed morale boost for the Mavericks as they look to finish the season strong.
The Cavaliers’ struggles with turnovers proved costly, hindering their ability to build and maintain a consistent offensive rhythm. While Strus’s return was a positive development, it wasn’t enough to offset the team’s overall struggles with ball control and defensive lapses.
What’s Next
The Dallas Mavericks will next face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, March 18th, at 8:00 PM CT at the FedExForum in Memphis. The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, March 18th, at 7:00 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.
This game against the Celtics will be a significant test for Cleveland, as they look to rebound from Sunday’s loss and maintain their position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. For Dallas, the matchup against Memphis presents an opportunity to build on their recent win and continue their climb in the Western Conference standings.
The Mavericks’ victory on Sunday demonstrated their resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. With Flagg leading the way and contributions from their supporting cast, Dallas is poised to develop a push for a playoff berth. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, will need to address their turnover issues and identify more consistency on both ends of the court if they hope to contend for a championship.
