Almost a year ago to the day, the Cavs, although deprived of their stars, caused a sensation by winning in Dallas. On the same floor last night, the Ohio team used all its strike force to win without difficulty (122-134) against the Mavs who were still very weak (Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, etc.).
At the heart of a very solid collective performance (38 assists), it was difficult to miss the match delivered by Evan Mobley. The young interior was as comfortable and efficient behind the arc as in the post, or with his shot from 3-4 meters. He contributed to the Cavs' domination in terms of points scored inside (68-58).
Beautiful collective sequences
It must be said that he was served more than once by a discreet Donovan Mitchell with his “scoring”, but very inspired with his one-handed laser transmissions. We think of this very high-level sequence in transition, where the guard reversed the play towards Darius Garland who instantly transmitted to Evan Mobley in “trailer” for the dunk.
With this desire to circulate, all the holders at 10 points or more, in addition to two men from the bench in good shape (Caris LeVert and Georges Niang), the visitors had all the ingredients to have a good evening. Leading by 11 points after 12 minutes (21-32), they finished the first period strong (53-69), before flying away a little more in the third quarter, during which the Cavs counted up to '27 points ahead.
Carried by a confident Quentin Grimes, while Klay Thompson disappeared from traffic in the second half (16 points, all scored in the first half), the Mavs showed resistance in the following minutes, to return to 12 points (106-118). But Evan Mobley and his people were too sure of their strength to be worried.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Still undefeated against the West! The Cavs finished their first “road trip” of the season, in the West, undefeated, after victories against the Nuggets, Warriors and Lakers. This sequence adds to their impressive record against teams from the opposite conference: 10 victories and not a defeat! Will this perfect record hold up against Wednesday’s shock against the Thunder?
– Dark Dallas. Difficult to talk about a crisis when you know the absences, but the Mavs have a 4th loss in a row. The Texans started their life without Luka Doncic with a victory in Phoenix. They have not returned since. After a trip to Memphis on Monday, they will try to restart at home but the schedule is not so open: hosting the Lakers and the Blazers, and especially the Nuggets twice.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
