The Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers stats tell the real story behind the score. The game was close—Cleveland won 128-125—but one thing made the difference: defense. The Cavs forced Dallas into 15 turnovers and turned them into 22 easy points. Donovan Mitchell scored 32, but Evan Mobley’s 12 rebounds and 3 blocks were just as important. Luka Dončić was amazing with 35 points and 10 assists, but Cleveland’s team effort was stronger in the final minutes.
Looking at the Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats, you can see where the game was won and lost. Free throws decided it. Cleveland hit 90% of theirs. Dallas only made 77%. In a three-point game, every single shot counts. Stats like these show basketball isn’t just about who scores the most—it’s about who executes better when the pressure is on. Cleveland did that, and that’s why they walked away with the win.
Game Overview: Who Won and Why It Rocked
The Cleveland Cavaliers walked away with a nail-biting 128-125 victory. The final score tells only half the story. The Cavs improved to 18-5, while the Mavericks slipped to 14-9. A packed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (19,432 strong) witnessed a playoff-level intensity in December.
So, why did Cleveland win? Two words: defensive pressure. The Cavs forced 15 Dallas turnovers, converting them into 22 critical points. The Mavericks shot a decent 53% from the field but left points on the table, hitting only 77% of their free throws. In a game decided by three points, that’s the ball game. Rebounding was a dead heat at 48 apiece, showing how evenly matched these teams were physically.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks Timeline: Play-by-Play Thrills
Let’s break down the momentum swings that had fans on the edge of their seats.
- First Quarter: Dallas came out firing. Luka Dončić was unstoppable, hitting step-back jumpers with ease. The quarter ended 32-28 in favor of the Mavericks.
- Second Quarter: The Cavs flipped the script. A devastating 15-4 run, orchestrated by Darius Garland’s pinpoint passing, shifted all momentum. Cleveland headed to the locker room up 58-52.
- Third Quarter: True to their resilient nature, the Mavs clawed back. They tied the game at 85 midway through. Cleveland’s defense, led by Evan Mobley, held firm to take a slim 92-89 lead into the final frame.
- Fourth Quarter: Pure heart-stopping drama. The score was knotted at 110 with just over four minutes left. Then, Donovan Mitchell happened—a steal followed by a coast-to-coast finish. Mobley then sealed it with a monumental block on Luka in the closing seconds. Cavs win, 128-125.
This back-and-forth Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers timeline is a perfect example of why this rivalry is must-watch TV.
Cavs Starting Lineup and Bench Heroes
Cleveland’s victory was a complete team effort, blending star power with crucial bench contributions.
The Starters:
- Darius Garland (PG): The pace-setter. His 8 assists were a masterclass in quarterbacking the offense.
- Donovan Mitchell (SG): The closer. His 32 points and clutch plays define his All-NBA caliber.
- Dean Wade (SF): The spacer. Hit 3 big three-pointers to keep the defense honest.
- Evan Mobley (PF): The defensive anchor. 12 rebounds and 3 blocks—his presence alters every shot.
- Jarrett Allen (C): The glass cleaner. A monster 14 rebounds, controlling the paint.
Bench Impact:
The Cavs’ bench wasn’t just support; it was a weapon. Caris LeVert provided 12 points and pesky defense (3 steals). Georges Niang knocked down 3 triples for 11 points. This depth allowed Coach Atkinson to keep his starters fresh, a critical factor down the stretch. Analyzing the Dallas Maveriders vs Cleveland Cavaliers stats shows their +6 bench scoring advantage was a silent killer.
Mavs Lineup: Stars and What They Missed
Dallas fought valiantly but clearly felt the absence of a key piece.
The Starting Five:
- Luka Dončić (PG): Carried the load. A phenomenal 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists in 39 grueling minutes.
- Klay Thompson (SG): The sharpshooter. Drained 5 three-pointers for 22 points, providing essential spacing.
- P.J. Washington (SF): Versatile defender and scorer, though struggled slightly from deep.
- Naji Marshall (PF): Brought energy and defense to the starting unit.
- Daniel Gafford (C): A double-double machine (14 pts, 11 reb) who protects the rim.
The Glaring Absence: Kyrie Irving.
His shoulder injury left a massive playmaking and scoring void. Without Irving, the offensive burden fell almost entirely on Luka, making the Mavericks more predictable in crunch time. The Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks match player stats highlight how Dallas’s assists (28) were high, but their turnover count (15) was higher—a sign of forced creation.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks Match Player Stats: Cavs Table
Here’s where the numbers come to life. This table breaks down the Cavaliers’ key contributions.
| Player | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG | 3PT | FT | +/- |
| Donovan Mitchell | 36 | 32 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 11/20 | 4/8 | 6/6 | +12 |
| Evan Mobley | 34 | 18 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8/12 | 0/1 | 2/2 | +15 |
| Darius Garland | 33 | 15 | 3 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 6/14 | 2/6 | 1/1 | +8 |
| Jarrett Allen | 32 | 10 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5/8 | 0/0 | 0/0 | +10 |
| Dean Wade | 28 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3/6 | 3/5 | 0/0 | +5 |
| Caris LeVert | 24 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 5/10 | 2/5 | 0/0 | +7 |
| Team Totals | *240* | *128* | *48* | *25* | *12* | *6* | 55% | 47% | 90% | *+3* |
Key Stat Insight: The +15 for Mobley wasn’t a coincidence. His two-way dominance—leading in rebounds and blocks—meant the Cavs were at their best when he was on the floor.
Dallas Mavericks Player Stats: Full Breakdown Table
The Mavericks’ player stats show a team leaning heavily on its superstar.
| Player | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG | 3PT | FT | +/- |
| Luka Dončić | 39 | 35 | 7 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 13/25 | 4/10 | 5/7 | -2 |
| Klay Thompson | 35 | 22 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8/15 | 5/9 | 1/1 | +4 |
| Daniel Gafford | 30 | 14 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7/10 | 0/0 | 0/2 | -8 |
| Quentin Grimes | 28 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6/11 | 2/5 | 2/2 | +5 |
| P.J. Washington | 32 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4/9 | 1/4 | 1/2 | -10 |
| Team Totals | *240* | *125* | *48* | *28* | *10* | *4* | 53% | 43% | 77% | *-3* |
Key Stat Insight: Luka’s near triple-double is legendary, but the negative plus/minus for key players like Gafford (-8) and Washington (-10) reveals lineup combinations that struggled against Cleveland’s schemes.
Top Stars Table: Who Lit the Court?
Let’s isolate the game-changers. These five players dictated the flow.
| Player | Team | PTS | REB | AST | Defining Moment |
| Luka Dončić | DAL | 35 | 7 | 10 | A scoring and playmaking tour de force for 39 minutes. |
| Donovan Mitchell | CLE | 32 | 4 | 6 | Clutch steals and free throws when the game was on the line. |
| Evan Mobley | CLE | 18 | 12 | 2 | The game-saving block on Luka to preserve the lead. |
| Jarrett Allen | CLE | 10 | 14 | 1 | Dominated the glass with 5 offensive rebounds. |
| Klay Thompson | DAL | 22 | 3 | 2 | Kept Dallas in it with 5 timely three-pointers. |
Advanced Metrics: Beyond Basic Numbers
The basic Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers stats are telling, but advanced analytics show why Cleveland won.
- Offensive Efficiency: Cavs (125 Ortg) > Mavs (121 Ortg). Cleveland generated more points per possession.
- Defensive Stand: Cavs (121 Drtg) < Mavs (125 Drtg). Cleveland’s defense was slightly more effective.
- Effective Field Goal % (eFG%): Cavs 58%, Mavs 56%. Accounts for the added value of threes; Cleveland was more efficient.
- The True Killer – Free Throw Differential: Cavs: 90% (9/10). Mavs: 77% (10/13). In a 3-point game, those missed FTs by Dallas are the starkest difference.
These metrics prove the Cavs executed their game plan more efficiently, especially in high-leverage moments.
Head-to-Head: Past Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks Matches
History favors the Cavaliers in this matchup. The all-time series stands at 48-40 for Cleveland. More telling is the recent trend: the Cavs have now won 7 straight games against the Mavericks. This mental edge cannot be understated. Teams develop “schemes” for certain opponents, and Cleveland’s defensive approach to containing Luka (as much as anyone can) has been particularly effective in this recent run.
Shooting Splits: Where Buckets Fell
Breaking down the shooting tells a tactical story.
- Three-Point Line: Cavs shot a blistering 14/30 (47%). Mavs were strong at 12/28 (43%). Both teams relied on the deep ball.
- Inside the Arc: Cavs 57%, Mavs 55%. A slight edge for Cleveland in finishing at the rim.
- The Free Throw Story: This is the split that matters most. Cleveland’s 90% perfection from the line versus Dallas’s 77% was the ultimate decider.
For fantasy players and bettors: note how these splits make the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks match player stats for three-point specialists and free-throw shooters crucial for projection models.
Defense That Dazzled: Stops and Swats
Cleveland’s defense won this game. Their 12 steals and 6 blocks created fast-break opportunities and disrupted Dallas’s rhythm. The Mobley-Allen combo is arguably the league’s best defensive frontcourt—they contest everything without fouling. Dallas managed 10 steals but their 15 turnovers (5 more than Cleveland) showed they were often rushed into mistakes. The Cavs’ ability to switch seamlessly and protect the rim in the final minutes was a coaching masterpiece.
Bench Impact: Unsung Heroes Shine
The final Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers stats reveal a critical battle: the bench. Cleveland’s reserves outscored Dallas’s 42-36. This 6-point swing was the final margin of victory. LeVert’s defensive energy and Niang’s shooting stretched the lead when starters rested. In today’s NBA, a dominant starting five isn’t enough; you need contributors from the second unit to win tough games. Cleveland’s depth is a legitimate weapon.
Season Outlook After This Clash
This result solidifies Cleveland as a top-tier contender in the East. Mitchell is firmly in the MVP conversation, and their defense is elite. For Dallas, the outlook remains bright but hinges on health. A healthy Kyrie Irving transforms their ceiling. The West is a gauntlet, and every win matters. Mark your calendars for the rematch in March 2026—it promises even more fireworks.
Injury Notes and Lineup Shifts
- Dallas Mavericks: Kyrie Irving (shoulder) – OUT. His absence was the single biggest lineup factor.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: No major injuries. Full strength.
Dallas adjusted by increasing Luka’s minutes and giving more offensive responsibility to Klay Thompson and Quentin Grimes. Cleveland, at full health, could execute their preferred rotation, a luxury that paid dividends.
Coaching Gems: Tactics That Clicked
Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson deserves credit. His decision to throw varied defensive looks at Luka—blitzes, late switches, and occasional zones—prevented the Slovenian star from finding a comfortable rhythm late. Mavs coach Jason Kidd tried to counter with aggressive trapping, but it led to open Cavs shooters when the rotations were slow. The tactical duel was a fascinating subplot, with Atkinson’s adjustments proving slightly sharper.
Fan Vibes: What the Crowd Said
Social media exploded. #CavsWin trended with highlights of Mobley’s block. Mavs fans lamented the missed free throws with #MFFL. The consensus? This was a regular-season game with playoff intensity. Over 70% of polled fans called it the “Game of the Night,” praising the pace and star power. That electric atmosphere in Cleveland was a true sixth man.
Conclusion: Relive and Rally
The Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers showdown was everything basketball promises. A back-and-forth battle, superstar performances, and a finish that came down to the final possession. The Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats tell a rich story of defensive grit, bench depth, and clutch execution. Cleveland takes the win, but both teams proved they belong in the championship conversation. Relive the highlights, debate the stats, and get ready for the next chapter in this growing rivalry.
FAQs
What’s the score from Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks?
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 128-125.
Top scorer in Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks match player stats?
Dallas’s Luka Dončić was the game’s top scorer with 35 points. Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell followed closely with 32.
Threes in the game?
Both teams shot lights out. The Cavs made 14 three-pointers (47%), and the Mavs made 12 (43%).
Recent Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks matches record?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have dominated the recent matchup, winning the last 7 consecutive games against the Mavericks.
Double-doubles scored?
Two players recorded double-doubles: Evan Mobley (18 points, 12 rebounds) for Cleveland and Daniel Gafford (14 points, 11 rebounds) for Dallas.
Full timeline where?
For a complete, official play-by-play timeline, visit the NBA box score or ESPN’s game recap for this specific matchup.
