CLEVELAND โ The Dallas Mavericks made a stunning turnaround on Sunday afternoon, rebounding from a humiliating 33-point defeat just two days prior to capture a convincing 130-120 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The reversal of fortune proved particularly sweet for Dallas, as the team had been thoroughly dismantled 138-105 on Friday night in the same arena.
Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks' offensive assault with 27 points, continuing his impressive rookie campaign for the 2025 top overall pick. Flagg's efficient performance came on 10-of-17 shooting while orchestrating the offense with 10 assists and adding six rebounds across 33 minutes of action. For the 12th time this season, the talented youngster reached the 27-point plateau, showcasing his ability to consistently carry offensive responsibilities.
Naji Marshall proved to be an essential secondary scorer, contributing 25 points to the balanced attack. P.J. Washington rounded out the trio of double-digit scorers, posting 20 points while also grabbing 11 rebounds to provide crucial frontcourt production. The victory marked just the second win in Dallas' last 11 games, making the dominant display particularly significant during a challenging stretch.
Dallas orchestrated their escape from a close first half by asserting control after halftime. The Mavericks scored the opening seven points of the third quarter and methodically expanded their advantage to 78-67 with 7:20 remaining in the period following a Ryan Nembhard three-pointer. Though Cleveland mounted resistance, the Mavericks countered with a decisive 10-2 run late in the third that proved to be the turning point. The visitors eventually led by as much as 21 points in the fourth quarter before the Cavaliers staged a spirited but ultimately futile comeback attempt.
The Mavericks' victory snapped an unfortunate seven-game losing streak against Cleveland, providing needed momentum as they continue their season resurgence. Turnovers played a decisive factor in the outcome, as Cleveland's 16 miscues directly resulted in 25 points for Dallas.
On the Cavaliers' side, Donovan Mitchell delivered 26 points in a losing effort. The team received a significant boost from Max Strus, who scored 24 points in his season debut after spending the first 67 games sidelined. Strus returned following a lengthy rehabilitation from a Jones fracture โ a break of the bone that connects the little toe to the base of the foot โ that he suffered during offseason training. "The seventh-year forward missed the first 67 games because of a broken left foot" and "underwent surgery on Aug. 26."
A competitive first half saw the teams trade baskets throughout, with 11 lead changes and seven ties before Dallas carried a narrow 60-59 advantage into intermission.
Rookie John Poulakidas, who signed a two-way contract on March 1 after his time at Yale, contributed 10 points in his second NBA game, with eight of those coming during an impressive third-quarter performance where he also grabbed two rebounds.
Dallas heads to New Orleans on Monday to continue their schedule, while Cleveland will travel to Milwaukee on Tuesday seeking to return to winning form.