DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks ran into a scorching Cleveland Cavaliers offense Friday night, falling 138–105 after Cleveland delivered one of its most efficient shooting performances in franchise history.
The Cavaliers shot a blistering 61.5 percent from the field (56-of-91), their 10th-highest field-goal percentage ever, overwhelming Dallas from the opening half and never allowing the Mavericks to settle into the game.
Despite the loss, rookie Cooper Flagg continued to show why he has been one of Dallas’ brightest spots this season. Flagg led the Mavericks with 25 points on 8-of-16 shooting, adding four rebounds and five assists. The outing marked his 25th career 20-point game, pushing him past Kobe Bryant for sixth-most 20-point games by a teenager in NBA history.
Flagg has also been remarkably efficient for his age. The performance was his 20th career game scoring at least 20 points while shooting 50 percent or better from the floor, a total surpassed among teenage players only by LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant.
The rookie has also developed as a playmaker. With five assists Friday, Flagg recorded his sixth straight game with at least 10 points and five assists, joining James, Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving as the only teenagers to post multiple streaks of six or more games with those numbers.
Dallas saw another rookie connection make franchise history. Ryan Nembhard and Flagg each finished with at least five assists, marking the ninth time this season the duo has accomplished the feat — the most by a Mavericks rookie tandem in team history. The mark surpasses the previous record of eight shared by Jalen Brunson and Dončić.
Naji Marshall provided a steady presence for Dallas with 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists, recording his 34th game this season with at least 15 points — already the highest total of his career.
Veteran Dwight Powell also reached a significant milestone, appearing in his 750th career game with the Mavericks to become the fifth player in franchise history to reach that mark. Powell added 11 points and 11 rebounds for the 25th double-double of his career.
Brandon Williams contributed 12 points, extending his career-best streak to 13 straight games scoring in double figures.
Cleveland’s offense was fueled by a dominant performance from Evan Mobley. The forward erupted for 23 points in the first half alone and finished with 29 points on 12-of-15 shooting along with seven rebounds. It marked the fifth time this season Mobley has posted at least 25 points and five rebounds.
The Cavaliers’ relentless scoring pace created separation early and kept the Mavericks chasing the game throughout the night.
Dallas will look to regroup as it continues its homestand following the tough loss.
