NBA: Cooper Flagg posts double-double as Mavs stun Cavs

Rookie Cooper Flagg scored 27 points and added 10 assists, while Naji Marshall contributed 25 points as the visiting Dallas Mavericks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-120 on Sunday, splitting their home-and-home series.

P.J. Washington Jr. also had a strong showing with 20 points and 11 rebounds, helping Dallas build a 111-90 lead in the fourth quarter. The win marked just the second victory for the Mavericks in their last 11 games. Rookie John Poulakidis scored his first 10 NBA points in only his second game after signing a two-way contract on March 1.

For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell recorded 26 points and 11 assists. Max Strus, returning from left foot surgery, scored 24 points and made 6-of-7 three-pointers in his season debut. Evan Mobley added 18 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocked shots.

The Cavaliers had previously beaten Dallas seven straight times, including a 138-105 win in Dallas on Friday. Cleveland remains fourth in the Eastern Conference, two games ahead of the hot-shooting Orlando Magic, but has gone 5-6 since February 22.

Poulakidis made a notable impact in the third quarter, scoring eight points as the Mavericks poured in 40 points to take a 100-86 lead. Flagg also contributed six rebounds and two blocks in 33 minutes of play.

Marshall scored 16 points in the first half, helping Dallas carry a 60-59 advantage into halftime. Washington added 14 points, six rebounds, and five steals, while Strus scored 16 points in 12 minutes, and Mobley contributed 13 points for Cleveland.

Washington, who missed the previous game due to left ankle soreness, opened the first quarter with nine points, giving the Mavericks a 26-16 lead. For the Cavaliers, Mitchell, Strus, and Dean Wade each scored nine points, and Cleveland trailed 35-31 after 12 minutes.

Strus’ appearance marked his first game since the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers on May 11, 2025. Dallas finished with a strong 50% from three-point range, making 15 of 30 shots, while Cleveland made 16 of 41 (39%). The Mavericks also dominated the free-throw line, converting 23-of-27 (85.2%), compared with Cleveland’s 14-of-21 (66.7%).

Cleveland was without center Jarrett Allen (right knee tendinitis) for the fifth straight game and swingman Sam Merrill (left hamstring tightness) for the second consecutive match. Small forward Jaylon Tyson (left ankle soreness) was injured Thursday in Dallas. Dallas also missed center Daniel Gafford (illness) and shooting guard Klay Thompson (rest).

-Field Level Media/Reuters