Sam Merrill came off the bench to hit nine 3-pointers for a career-high-tying 27 points as the host Cleveland Cavaliers coasted to a 144-101 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon.
It was a brutal start to a new era for Dallas, which sent shock waves through the sports world about 15 hours before tipoff by sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for fellow star Anthony Davis as part of a blockbuster trade.
The Mavericks also shipped Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles in the deal, which included a third team, the Utah Jazz. Guard Max Christie and the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2029 were part of the return for Doncic.
Davis was not active on Sunday due to the pending trade and an abdominal muscle strain. Christie also was not available.
Being in the spotlight throughout the wee hours of the morning and early afternoon seemed to distract the Mavericks from their meeting with Cleveland.
The Cavaliers wasted little time turning the contest into a blowout, going 9-for-11 from 3-point range in the first quarter to build a 50-19 lead by the end of the frame. It marked the most points that Cleveland has scored in any quarter all season.
Franchise history would soon be made for Cleveland, which got 3-pointers from Caris LeVert, Max Strus and Donovan Mitchell during a 13-2 run to close the second quarter. That outburst capped the Cavaliers’ best half ever in terms of scoring, as Cleveland took a commanding 91-46 advantage into the break.
Jarrett Allen put the Cavaliers over the century mark with a hook shot at the 8:08 mark of the third quarter to make it 101-54, and Cleveland led by at least 40 the rest of the way.
Evan Mobley (22 points, 11 rebounds) and Darius Garland (17 points, 10 assists) recorded double-doubles for the Cavaliers, who had eight scorers in double figures. Allen finished with 14 points and nine boards.
Cleveland made a whopping 26 3-pointers (on just 45 attempts).
Reserve Jaden Hardy netted a team-high 21 points as Dallas dropped its second straight game. Dante Exum chipped in 14 points.
Kyrie Irving (shoulder) was out for the Mavericks.
