CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Cavs had little trouble with Dallas Sunday.
Led by 22 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks and three assists from Evan Mobley and 17 points and 10 assists from Darius Garland, the Cavs ran the Mavericks back to Texas with a 144-101 win at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Here’s the top Wine & Gold nuggets from Thursday night.
Opening Cavalanche – This one was over after the first quarter. Led by 13 points from Garland, the Cavs dropped 50 on Dallas and led 50-19 through 12 minutes. “I feel like everyone was just locked in even with all the trades and everything that went on today,” Mobley said. “We just came in, locked in, ready to play and we went out there and did our job and we got to a hot start, I would say, and just kept our foot on the gas.”
Record afternoon – The 50 first quarter points were the most scored in a quarter in franchise history besting the previous mark of 49, scored earlier this season on November 15, 2024 against the Bulls at home. Cleveland’s 91 points at halftime were also another franchise record for points scored in a half. The Cavs hit a team record 26 threes and Sam Merrill also set a franchise record for threes for a player off the bench with nine. “It's the icing on the cake,” Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson said. “I'll read about it tonight and tomorrow I see on [X] and you're like, man, you're a part of this. You're humble, you a little bit and you're really, gives you a good feeling. Like I said, it gives you confidence, right? Wow, we can do this and we can set records and what else can we do? How much can we push the envelope? But like I said, it's pretty cool.”
Getting hot – Merrill, who has struggled with his shot at times this season, finished with 27 points as he hit nine of 13 beyond the arc. “Obviously it feels good to have a great shooting game like that, but just one game, it's all about getting into a rhythm and I feel like there's been multiple times this year where I feel like I'm starting to get into a rhythm and then I either get hurt or last game I got sick or whatever.”
Motivated Mobley – Mobley’s five blocks were a season-high and he registered another double-double. Atkinson praised Mobley’s recent work behind the scenes after he was named an All-Star. “You just want to keep getting better, not stay stagnant, can't get happy with your success so far,” Mobley said. “So I always just want to keep striving and keep getting better and better and better. So I'm in the gym. I've been working even harder and trying to keep making more and more steps.”
Empty the bench – With 5 minutes remaining in the third quarter and leading by 49, Tristan Thompson checked in for the Cavs and the starters officially had the rest of the afternoon off. “God forbid you don't want an injury,” Atkinson said. “And then part of the pact with the starter is like, we'll give you the first eight minutes of the third and let's take care of business so we can get you guys out and get you some rest. We obviously have a big game coming up, so that was huge, right? These wins help your gas tank, your reserves, and we will get this back whether it's next game or the game after. And you know how it is in the playoffs too, how important it is to take care of business and not extend series. I think it's all connected. If you can take care of business early, it's a big, huge advantage across the board.”
Share the rock – Led by garlands 10 assists, the Cavs had 40 assists on their 53 field goal makes. “That's pretty special,” Atkinson said. “I keep saying this team has a lot of connectors. Guys that can pass the ball… And a big part of the passing is our shot qualities. I think we're one in the league right in shot quality. So it's not like we're just making shots, tough shots. I think we're getting good shots.”
Shorthanded Mavs – Dallas was without seven players including Anthony Davis and Max Christie following the trade, as well as Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II and Dwight Powell due to injuries.
Starting 5 – Atkinson started Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Max Strus, and Jarrett Allen.