Beaten to everyone’s surprise in San Antonio, on a final against Keldon Johnson, the Cavs completed their very short “road trip” of two games in Texas with a visit to Dallas. Donovan Mitchell’s troop (34 points) reacted perfectly by dominating the Mavs head and shoulders for an indisputable victory (105-90).
Cleveland took this match by the right end, starting on the wheel caps on a 14-2 entry, making it easier for the rest. In front of the score throughout the game, the Cavs were able to count on a huge defensive effort, embodied by Lamar Stevens (18 points, 11 rebounds) who took care of the Doncic case.
With six players at 10 or more points, Cleveland also presented a successful offensive copy, finishing at 53% on shots, against 39% for the Mavs who are feeling the blow and suffer a third loss in their last four outings. After this setback, Dallas is barely in balance this season with 14 wins for as many defeats…
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Cleveland goes it alone. Starting the game with an initial 14-2, the Cavs quickly built up a comfortable lead on the scoreboard, pushing the gap above the twenties for much of the game. Except for two rare slips by the Mavs at -9 in the third and fourth quarters, Cleveland went it alone from start to finish, facing a doubtful Dallas team.
– Mavs in trouble. Forced to run after the score from the start, the Mavs were through all evening, like their leader, Luka Doncic, who was very well held in the first half, finished at 4/13 on shots, with a disbursement of 19 points! Worse, and symbol of their evening to be forgotten, the Mavs took a technical foul at the end of the third quarter because they had only four players on the field after a challenge refused to Jason Kidd and his team…
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Donovan Mitchell. Currently in great shape, after a 43-point game against the Lakers in particular, he confirmed this night. Untenable offensively, with 34 points at 13/20 on shots including 5/9 from 3-pointers, the former Jazz player clearly wanted to score against the team that eliminated him in the last playoffs!
✅ lamar stevens. Perfect complement player, effective at the end of the chain, Lamar Stevens managed a solid match, resulting in a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Only problem, his 3-point shot: only 1/6 last night.
✅ ⛔️ Luka Doncic. The Slovenian magician still assumed his status with 30 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, but he still had to pull the rope a lot, finishing at 9/23 on shots including 2/8 from behind the arc. For three games, he tears at 3-points, at a small 8/29…
⛔️ Tim Hardaway Jr.. In the five major for 31 minutes, he did not weigh with only 3 points and 1/5 on shots. Uninspired or even downright passive, THJ clearly did not help the Mavs find some pep in this unbalanced match from the start.
THE FOLLOWING
Cleveland (18-11): reception of the Pacers on Friday.
dallas (14-14): reception of Portland on Friday.
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