The NBA matchup between the Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats on February 2, 2025, was a thrilling game that showcased incredible talent, jaw-dropping plays, and a display of basketball prowess that left fans buzzing. Held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, the Cavaliers dominated the Mavericks with a final score of 144-101, setting a franchise record for points in the first half (91) and tying for the third-most points in a first half in NBA history. This game was a testament to Cleveland’s red-hot form and Dallas’s struggles amid a roster shake-up following a blockbuster trade. Let’s break down the player stats, key performances, and what made this game unforgettable, all in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of any age.
Game Overview: A Dominant Cleveland Performance
The Cleveland Cavaliers, boasting an impressive 40-9 record, came into this game as the NBA’s top team. They were riding high after a four-game Western Conference road trip sweep, including a 134-122 victory over the Mavericks on January 3, 2025. On the other side, the Dallas Mavericks, with a 26-24 record, were reeling from a midnight trade that sent superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. The trade left Dallas short-handed, with key players like Kyrie Irving (shoulder), P.J. Washington Jr. (knee), Daniel Gafford (ankle), Dereck Lively II (ankle), and Dwight Powell (hip) sidelined due to injuries. This set the stage for a lopsided contest where Cleveland’s depth and firepower overwhelmed a depleted Mavericks roster.
Cleveland’s dominance was evident from the tip-off, as they scored a franchise-record 50 points in the first quarter alone, shooting an astounding 57% from the field and 58% from three-point range. The Cavs’ 26 three-pointers in the game set another franchise record, tying Portland’s fourth-longest streak of games with at least 10 three-pointers (54 games). Dallas, on the other hand, struggled to keep up, managing only 38.8% from the field and 20.9% from beyond the arc. Let’s dive into the standout player performances that shaped this game.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Key Player Stats
The Cavaliers’ balanced attack and efficient shooting made them unstoppable. Here’s a closer look at the players who led the charge:
Evan Mobley: The Star of the Show
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Points: 22
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Rebounds: 11
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Assists: Not specified
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Field Goals: Not specified
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Three-Pointers: Not specified
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Minutes Played: Less than 24
Evan Mobley was a force on both ends of the court. The young big man led the Cavaliers with 22 points and 11 rebounds, securing a double-double in limited minutes. His ability to dominate in the paint, combined with his defensive presence, made life difficult for Dallas’s makeshift frontcourt. Mobley’s performance was a reminder of why he’s considered one of the NBA’s rising stars, capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.
Darius Garland: The Playmaking Wizard
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Points: 17
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Assists: 10
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Three-Pointers: 3 (in 66 seconds)
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Minutes Played: Not specified
Darius Garland was the engine behind Cleveland’s explosive offense. He dropped 17 points and dished out 10 assists, showcasing his ability to set up teammates while also knocking down shots. Garland’s quick-strike scoring, including three three-pointers in just over a minute during the first quarter, helped Cleveland jump out to a 27-9 lead early. His vision and passing were key in keeping the Mavericks’ defense scrambling.
Sam Merrill: The Three-Point Sniper
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Three-Pointers: 9
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Points: Not specified
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Minutes Played: Not specified
Sam Merrill turned the game into his personal shooting gallery, draining nine three-pointers to contribute to Cleveland’s record-setting 26 triples. His hot shooting from deep stretched Dallas’s defense thin and kept the Cavs’ lead insurmountable. Merrill’s performance off the bench highlighted Cleveland’s depth, as even their role players were hitting on all cylinders.
Jarrett Allen: Dominating the Paint
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Points: Not specified
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Rebounds: Not specified
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Minutes Played: Less than 24
While specific stats for Jarrett Allen weren’t detailed in the box score, his impact was undeniable. Alongside Mobley, Allen took advantage of Dallas’s weakened frontcourt, particularly targeting rookie Kylor Kelley. The Cavs’ big men controlled the paint, combining for 54 points in that area compared to Dallas’s 50. Allen’s presence on both ends helped Cleveland maintain their dominance throughout the game.
Team Stats: A Well-Oiled Machine
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Field Goals: 53/93 (57.0%)
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Three-Pointers: 26/45 (57.8%)
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Free Throws: 12/16 (75.0%)
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Total Rebounds: 51
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Offensive Rebounds: 3
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Turnovers: 8
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Points Off Turnovers: 14
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Fast Break Points: 33
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Points in the Paint: 54
The Cavaliers’ team stats paint a picture of a squad firing on all cylinders. Their 57% field goal percentage and 57.8% three-point shooting were nearly unstoppable, and their 51 rebounds showed their dominance on the glass. Cleveland’s ability to turn eight turnovers into 14 points and rack up 33 fast-break points highlighted their transition game, which Dallas couldn’t match.
Dallas Mavericks: Key Player Stats
The Mavericks were severely shorthanded, missing five key rotation players, including All-Star Kyrie Irving and newly acquired Anthony Davis, who had yet to debut. Despite the loss, several players showed flashes of resilience.
Jaden Hardy: A Bright Spot
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Points: 21
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Minutes Played: Not specified
Jaden Hardy led the Mavericks with 21 points, providing a spark off the bench. In a game where Dallas struggled to find offensive rhythm, Hardy’s scoring kept them from being completely out of the contest early. His performance showed promise for a young player stepping up in a tough situation.
Kylor Kelley: A Milestone Amid Struggles
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Points: Not specified
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Rebounds: Not specified
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Minutes Played: Not specified
Rookie Kylor Kelley, making his first NBA start, notched his first career double-double. While he faced a tough challenge against Cleveland’s big men, Mobley and Allen, Kelley’s effort was a silver lining for Dallas. His performance showed potential, even if the team’s overall output was lackluster.
Team Stats: A Tough Day
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Field Goals: 40/103 (38.8%)
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Three-Pointers: 9/43 (20.9%)
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Free Throws: 12/15 (80.0%)
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Total Rebounds: 45
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Offensive Rebounds: 10
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Turnovers: 9
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Points Off Turnovers: 10
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Fast Break Points: 11
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Points in the Paint: 50
The Mavericks’ team stats reflect their struggles. Their 38.8% field goal percentage and 20.9% three-point shooting were no match for Cleveland’s efficiency. Despite grabbing 45 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards, Dallas couldn’t convert those opportunities into points consistently. Their nine turnovers led to only 10 points, and their 11 fast-break points paled in comparison to Cleveland’s 33.
Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats Highlights and Turning Points
The game was decided early, with Cleveland’s scorching start setting the tone. Here are some key moments:
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First Quarter Explosion: Cleveland dropped 50 points in the first quarter, a franchise record, and led by 19 points just six minutes into the game. Darius Garland’s three three-pointers in 66 seconds were a catalyst for the Cavs’ early surge.
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First Half Dominance: The Cavaliers scored 91 points in the first half, tying for the third-most in NBA history for a half. Their 10-11 shooting from the corner in the first half showcased their deadly accuracy from deep.
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Three-Point Barrage: Cleveland’s 26 three-pointers, led by Sam Merrill’s nine, overwhelmed Dallas’s defense. The Cavs’ 57.8% three-point shooting was a masterclass in long-range shooting.
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Dallas’s Struggles: The Mavericks’ depleted roster couldn’t keep up with Cleveland’s pace. Missing key players like Irving and Doncic, Dallas lacked the firepower to mount a comeback.
Why Cleveland Won
The Cavaliers’ victory was a combination of their own brilliance and Dallas’s misfortunes. Cleveland’s balanced attack, led by Mobley’s double-double, Garland’s playmaking, and Merrill’s sharpshooting, was too much for the Mavericks to handle. Their 57% field goal and three-point shooting percentages showed their efficiency, while their 51 rebounds and 33 fast-break points highlighted their dominance in transition and on the boards. The Cavs also capitalized on Dallas’s turnovers, scoring 14 points off them, and controlled the paint with 54 points.
Additionally, Cleveland’s depth allowed them to keep their starters fresh, with no player logging more than 24 minutes. This was particularly effective against a Mavericks team missing five key players, which left them unable to match Cleveland’s energy or firepower.
Why Dallas Lost
The Mavericks were hit hard by injuries and the emotional fallout of trading Luka Doncic, a five-time All-Star and the face of the franchise. Without Irving, Washington, Gafford, Lively, and Powell, Dallas fielded only 10 players, relying heavily on young talent like Jaden Hardy and Kylor Kelley. Their 38.8% field goal percentage and 20.9% three-point shooting reflected their offensive struggles, and they couldn’t keep up with Cleveland’s fast-paced, high-scoring attack. The trade’s impact was evident, as Dallas played like a team still processing the loss of their superstar.
Historical Context: Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats Rivalry
The Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats have faced off 87 times in the regular season, with Cleveland holding a slight edge at 47 wins to Dallas’s 40. Their February 2, 2025, matchup was one of the most lopsided in recent memory, with Cleveland’s 144-101 victory marking one of their biggest wins against Dallas. Earlier in the season, on January 3, 2025, the Cavaliers also defeated the Mavericks 134-122, with Evan Mobley leading the way with 34 points and 10 rebounds. These games highlight Cleveland’s current dominance in the head-to-head matchup, especially against a Dallas team navigating significant roster changes.
What’s Next for Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats Both Teams?
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, this win solidified their status as the NBA’s top team with a 40-9 record. Their next challenge was a high-profile matchup against the Boston Celtics on February 4, 2025, a game that would test their mettle against another Eastern Conference powerhouse. With their depth, shooting, and defensive prowess, the Cavs are well-positioned to continue their impressive season.
For the Dallas Mavericks, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, especially after the Doncic trade. Their next game was against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 4, 2025, and they’ll need to regroup quickly. The addition of Anthony Davis could be a game-changer once he’s integrated, but Dallas will need their injured players back to compete with the league’s elite.
Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats Table
Here’s a simplified table summarizing the key player stats from the February 2, 2025, game:
Player |
Team |
Points |
Rebounds |
Assists |
Three-Pointers |
Minutes Played |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Evan Mobley |
Cavaliers |
22 | 11 |
Not listed |
Not listed |
< 24 |
Darius Garland |
Cavaliers |
17 |
Not listed |
10 | 3 |
Not listed |
Sam Merrill |
Cavaliers |
Not listed |
Not listed |
Not listed |
9 |
Not listed |
Jarrett Allen |
Cavaliers |
Not listed |
Not listed |
Not listed |
Not listed |
< 24 |
Jaden Hardy |
Mavericks |
21 |
Not listed |
Not listed |
Not listed |
Not listed |
Kylor Kelley |
Mavericks |
Not listed |
Not listed |
Not listed |
Not listed |
Not listed |
Note: Some stats were not fully detailed in available sources, but key contributions are highlighted based on game recaps.
Final Thoughts
The Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats on February 2, 2025, was a showcase of Cleveland’s dominance and Dallas’s challenges amid a roster overhaul. Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Sam Merrill led the Cavs to a historic performance, while Jaden Hardy and Kylor Kelley showed flashes of potential for the Mavericks despite the blowout loss. For fans, this game was a reminder of how quickly the NBA landscape can shift with trades and injuries, but it also highlighted the excitement and unpredictability of basketball.