The Dallas Mavericks faced a tough night on February 2, 2025, as they were absolutely dominated by the Cleveland Cavaliers, losing 144-101. This game wasn’t just another loss for Dallas—it was a clear sign of the challenges they’ll face after trading away Luka Doncic. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers put on an offensive masterclass, making a strong case for why they’re one of the best teams in the NBA this season.
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Cavaliers Set the Tone Early
Right from the opening tip, Cleveland came out firing. They scored 50 points in the first quarter, the most in franchise history! By halftime, they had 91 points, breaking another team record. The Mavericks, on the other hand, looked completely out of sync, struggling on both ends of the floor.
This wasn’t just a bad night for Dallas—it was a historic performance by Cleveland.
Sam Merrill Shines for Cleveland
One of the biggest surprises of the game was Sam Merrill, who came off the bench and torched the Mavericks. He hit nine three-pointers, tying his career high, and finished with 27 points. His red-hot shooting helped Cleveland build an insurmountable lead.
Meanwhile, Evan Mobley and Darius Garland each recorded double-doubles, showing why the Cavs are such a well-rounded team.
Mavericks Struggle Without Luka and Davis
The Mavericks were playing without Anthony Davis, their big trade acquisition, who wasn’t available for this game. With Luka Doncic now in a Lakers uniform, Dallas was missing their main offensive weapon, and it showed.
Without a superstar to lean on, the Mavericks looked lost, struggling to create good shots and failing to stop Cleveland on defense.
The Luka Doncic Trade: A Game-Changer for Dallas
This game was Dallas’s first real test without Luka Doncic, and it exposed some big problems. The team’s General Manager, Nico Harrison, defended the controversial trade, saying the team was concerned about Luka’s conditioning and long-term potential. He believes Anthony Davis will help build a championship contender, but only time will tell if this move pays off.
For now, Mavericks fans are left wondering if the team made the right call.
What’s Next?
For the Cavaliers, this win marks their fourth straight victory, and they now have a 40-9 record—the best in the NBA. Their offensive firepower and deep roster make them serious contenders.
For the Mavericks, things are much more uncertain. With Anthony Davis set to join the lineup soon, they’ll need to find a new identity without Luka. If this game was any indication, there’s a lot of work to be done.
This wasn’t just a blowout—it was a wake-up call for Dallas.
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