Sam Merrill came off the bench to score a career-high-tying 27 points, including nine 3-pointers, as the Cleveland Cavaliers easily defeated the Dallas Mavericks 144-101 on Sunday afternoon.
It was a tough beginning to a new chapter for Dallas, who made a huge trade about 15 hours before the game, sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for star Anthony Davis.
The deal also sent Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles, with a third team, the Utah Jazz, involved. In return for Doncic, the Mavericks received guard Max Christie and the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2029.
Davis didn’t play on Sunday due to the trade and an abdominal muscle injury. Christie was also unavailable.
The distractions from the trade news seemed to affect Dallas, as they struggled in their game against Cleveland. The Cavaliers wasted no time in taking control, shooting 9-for-11 from beyond the arc in the first quarter to take a 50-19 lead by the end of the period. It was Cleveland’s highest-scoring quarter of the season.
Dallas Mavericks (NBA)The Cavaliers made history by scoring 91 points in the first half, the most they’ve ever scored in a half. Caris LeVert, Max Strus, and Donovan Mitchell hit 3-pointers during a 13-2 run to end the second quarter, pushing Cleveland’s lead to 91-46 at halftime.
Jarrett Allen extended the lead to over 100 points with a hook shot early in the third quarter, and the Cavaliers maintained a lead of at least 40 points for the rest of the game.
Evan Mobley had a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Darius Garland also recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 assists. Cleveland had eight players in double figures, with Allen contributing 14 points and nine rebounds.
The Cavaliers made 26 3-pointers out of 45 attempts.
Jaden Hardy led Dallas with 21 points off the bench, while Dante Exum added 14 points. Kyrie Irving (shoulder) missed the game for the Mavericks.
