Cooper Flagg leads Mavericks to upset victory over Cleveland
Cooper Flagg shines with 27 points and 10 assists to deliver the Mavericks an unexpected 130-120 victory over the Cavaliers, two days after a 33-point loss to the same team.
Photo Credit : © Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a surprising 130–120 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, bouncing back after the heavy 138–105 loss they suffered at home Friday night. It was an impressive response for a rebuilding team that had won just two of its previous eleven games.
Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, delivered his best performance since returning from a left foot injury, finishing with 27 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds. “I’m feeling better and finding my rhythm,” the young star said after the game. “I think we had a much better presence with our physicality and we stopped them a bit. I think we just had a much better pace. The ball was moving with a lot of energy.”
A successful tactical change for Dallas
Coach Jason Kidd surprised by starting P.J. Washington at center, a decision that proved effective. Washington responded with 20 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 5 steals. This small ball configuration allowed the Mavericks to have better spacing and create more three-point shooting opportunities.
« I think they dominated us in Dallas. They played much harder than us and wanted it more, so obviously we had revenge to take, » Washington explained after the game.
Active performance from P.J. Washington (Potential 6th steal + 5 offensive rebounds), and doing it while starting at the 5
Stands up Evan Mobley and forces the TOV here pic.twitter.com/5YFlcmgOiy
— Jackson Lloyd (@JacksonLloyd) March 15, 2026
Dallas excelled from long range with 15 three-pointers on 30 attempts, a 50% success rate, contrasting with Friday’s 27%. Naji Marshall also contributed with 25 points, while rookie John Poulakidas scored his first 10 NBA points, including 8 in the third quarter.
Max Strus’s successful but wasted return
Despite the loss, the Cavaliers celebrated the return of Max Strus after 67 games missed. The 6’5″ wing had a sensational debut with 24 points on 6/7 from three-point range in just 23 minutes. « I worked hard, » said an emotional Strus after the game. « It was a long road, but I only know one way to work, and that’s as hard as possible. I did it every day. »
Cavs Max Strus 24 PTS (7-9 FG, 6-7 3P, 112% TS), 8 REB, 1 AST vs. Mavs
Makes season debut after missing first 67 games https://t.co/hoUc2an0kj pic.twitter.com/aXBzg28IPR
— Role Player Performances (@BenchHighlights) March 15, 2026
Strus had suffered a left foot fracture during a summer workout and was operated on August 26. His return was initially scheduled for Christmas, but his recovery took three months longer than expected.
The Cavaliers were nevertheless disappointing defensively, allowing the Mavericks to score 130 points despite their 27th offensive rating. Donovan Mitchell finished with 26 points and 11 assists, but Cleveland turned the ball over 16 times, resulting in 25 points for the visitors. This embarrassing loss raises questions about the Cavaliers’ playoff aspirations, as they stand at 5 wins in their last 11 games.
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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