Mavericks Returned The Favor in 130-120 Decision

*** The Cavaliers welcomed a familiar face and fan favorite back to the lineup on Sunday afternoon, but even Max Strus’ heroic performance in his long-awaited return wasn’t enough to fend off the feisty Mavericks. 

After demolishing Dallas by 33 points two nights earlier on the road, the Mavs came to Cleveland and returned the favor – exploding for 40 points in the third quarter and coasting to the finish line in the fourth, spoiling Strus’ comeback with the 130-120 victory at Rocket Arena. 

Strus, who hasn’t played all year after undergoing offseason foot surgery, splashed home his first four three-point attempts to the sold-out crowd’s delight, but it wasn’t enough against a Mavericks team whose entire frontline topped the 20-point plateau. Dallas grabbed the lead just before halftime, extended its edge to two touchdowns after three quarters and staved off any Cleveland comeback effort from there. 

Overall, Strus led all reserves – netting 24 points in 23 minutes of work off the bench, going 6-for-7 from long-range, 7-of-9 from the floor, adding eight boards and an assist. 

Strus was asked postgame about his explosive return. “We didn’t win, so you can say all the things you want to say. I’m proud of myself, yes, but we didn’t win the game. It’s a bad loss for us and hopefully we’ll get the next one."

Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 26 points on 10-of-24 shooting and led both teams with 11 assists for his fifth double-double of the year. 

Evan Mobley notched double-double No. 21 on Sunday afternoon, finishing with 18 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, adding four assists and a game-high four blocks – his 10^th game this season with at least four swats.

James Harden pitched in with 13 points, but was just 4-of-12 from the floor, adding seven assists and five boards. Dean Waded added 12 points and five rebounds. 

The Cavs didn’t have their best defensive showing on Sunday – with Dallas shooting 53 percent from the floor, 50 percent (15-of-30) from long-range and 85 percent from the stripe – handing out 35 assists on 46 made buckets. The Mavericks also topped Cleveland on the boards, 44-38. 

“Just not good enough defensively,” said Coach Kenny Atkinson. “(The Mavericks) never felt us. They got comfortable, they got confidence. We have really good defenders in that lineup, so kind of an inexcusable defensive effort today. But give Dallas credit – their energy was higher.”

Two nights after shooting a season-high 62 percent against Dallas, the Cavs shot 51 percent on Sunday and connected on 16 three-pointers, but they missed seven of their 21 free throws and committed 16 turnovers that led to 25 Mavericks points. 

Cooper Flagg continued his push for Rookie of the Year honors – doubling-up with a game-high 27 points to go with 10 assists, adding six boards and a pair of blocked shots. PJ Washington tallied a double-double of his own with 20 points and a team-high 11 boards and Naji Marshall poured in 25 points of his own in the win.  

*** After falling to the Mavericks on Sunday, the Wine a& Gold get back on the road for three straight – tipping off the trip with a St. Patrick’s Day matchup in Milwaukee against the Bucks before hitting the Windy City for their final battle with the Bulls two nights later. On Saturday, Cleveland closes out the trip in the Big Easy before returning the following week for a big three-game homestand against a pair of potential First Round foes – welcoming the Magic to town on Tuesday night before two straight against the Heat.