Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats tell the story of one of the most contrasting rivalries in the 2025-26 NBA season.
The Cavaliers are one of the Eastern Conference’s most consistent forces this year, sitting at 36-22, while the rebuilt Mavericks at 20-36 are in the middle of a major transition era after the seismic Luka Doncic trade.
Every time these two teams meet, star power on both sides creates a must-watch game.
2025-26 Season Overview: Where Both Teams Stand
The 2025-26 NBA season has been a tale of two franchises heading in completely opposite directions. The Cleveland Cavaliers are locked in as a top-four Eastern Conference contender with a record of 36-22. The Dallas Mavericks, now at 20-36 in the West, are building for the future.
Dallas is in a full rebuild mode following the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025. The Mavs received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and future draft picks in return. On draft night 2025, Dallas selected Cooper Flagg first overall, signaling the new era had officially begun.
Cleveland, meanwhile, made their own major move. On February 4, 2026, the Cavaliers traded Darius Garland and a second-round pick to the LA Clippers for James Harden, a move that immediately changed their offensive identity and depth.
2025-26 NBA Standings Context
| Team | Conference | Record | Win % | Division |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Eastern | 36-22 | .621 | Central (2nd) |
| Dallas Mavericks | Western | 20-36 | .357 | Southwest (2nd-last) |
The standings gap between these two teams this season is significant. Cleveland is competing for a deep playoff run while Dallas is evaluating its young core and positioning for a brighter future.
Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Most Recent Head-to-Head Results
These two teams have met twice in the 2025-26 season calendar year period, with the most notable matchup being the February 2, 2025 blowout that took place right after the Doncic trade was announced.
In that game, Cleveland dismantled Dallas 144-101 at Rocket Arena in one of the most dominant performances by any team that season. Evan Mobley scored 22 points and 11 rebounds. Sam Merrill connected on nine three-pointers in a historic shooting display. Cleveland set a franchise record for points in a half with 91.
The January 3, 2025 meeting in Dallas told a similar story. Cleveland won 128-111 as Evan Mobley posted 34 points and 10 rebounds, one of the best individual performances of the season.
Full Box Score Breakdown: Cleveland 144, Dallas 101 (Feb 2, 2025)
| Team | FG% | 3P% | FT% | Rebounds | Turnovers | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 57.0% | 57.8% | 75.0% | 51 | 8 | 144 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 38.8% | 20.9% | 80.0% | 45 | 9 | 101 |
Cleveland was simply dominant across every single statistical category in this game. Their 57.8% from three-point range and 50 points in the paint underlined just how elite this roster is when fully healthy.
Dallas had 10 players in uniform due to injuries and was without Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Dwight Powell. The depleted roster made a fair comparison impossible, but the raw numbers still paint a clear picture.
Dallas Mavericks 2025-26 Player Stats
The Mavericks roster this season is headlined by the Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg partnership. Davis arrived via the Doncic trade and has been excellent when healthy. Flagg, the top pick in the 2025 draft, has exceeded expectations in his rookie season.
Kyrie Irving returned from ACL surgery in January 2026 but has been used carefully by Dallas management to protect him for the long term.
Dallas Mavericks Season Averages 2025-26
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | 20.4 | 6.6 | 4.1 | 1.2 | — |
| Anthony Davis | 20.4 | 11.1 | — | 1.1 | 1.7 |
| Naji Marshall | 15.0 | — | — | 1.0 | — |
| P.J. Washington | 14.0 | 7.1 | — | 1.0 | 1.3 |
| Max Christie | 13.1 | — | — | — | — |
| Ryan Nembhard | — | — | 4.9 | — | — |
| Tyus Jones | — | — | 5.0 | — | — |
| Marvin Bagley III | — | 10.0 | — | — | 2.0 |
| Daniel Gafford | — | 6.5 | — | — | 1.4 |
Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis are tied at 20.4 PPG as co-leaders in scoring. This dual-threat frontcourt has given Dallas a genuinely exciting nucleus to build around for the next decade.
Cooper Flagg: The Rookie Sensation Carrying Dallas
Cooper Flagg has been everything Dallas hoped for and more since being selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, he is already one of the best rookies in recent memory.
His season-high came on December 12, 2025 when he posted 42 points against Utah, an extraordinary performance that confirmed he is a genuine franchise cornerstone. He also set a season-high efficiency of 44 on that same night.
Flagg leads the Mavericks in minutes per game at 34.1, which reflects how central he is to everything Dallas does on both ends of the floor.
Anthony Davis: The Veteran Anchor
Anthony Davis has been phenomenal for Dallas in his first full season as a Maverick. He averages 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds per game and brings defensive leadership the Mavericks have lacked in recent years.
His season highs include 42 points against Utah, 17 rebounds against Miami, and 5 blocks against Houston. When healthy, Davis is one of the two or three best players in the entire league and completely changes what Dallas is capable of achieving.
The Davis and Flagg frontcourt is genuinely one of the most exciting young power duos in the NBA. Dallas may be struggling in the win-loss column this season, but the foundation being built is strong.
Kyrie Irving: The Wild Card
Kyrie Irving missed the first several months of the 2025-26 season recovering from an ACL tear. He returned in January 2026 but has been used carefully by the Mavericks coaching staff.
When Irving is back at full health and playing alongside Davis and Flagg, Dallas becomes a very different and much more dangerous team. His playmaking, shooting, and veteran presence change the dynamic completely.
Irving’s impact on the Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats equation will grow as the season progresses and he finds his rhythm.
Cleveland Cavaliers 2025-26 Player Stats
The Cavaliers entered 2025-26 as the defending Eastern Conference powerhouses with the league’s best record the prior year at 64-18. They have remained a top-four seed in the East this season despite some early roster disruption.
The mid-season acquisition of James Harden from the Clippers in exchange for Darius Garland has transformed their offensive identity once again.
Cleveland Cavaliers Season Averages 2025-26
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | 29.0 | 4.5 | 5.9 | 1.5 | — |
| James Harden | 22.5 | 6.0 | 7.5 | — | 1.5 |
| Darius Garland (pre-trade) | 18.0 | — | 6.9 | — | — |
| Evan Mobley | 17.9 | 8.8 | 4.0 | — | 2.0 |
| Jarrett Allen | 14.5 | 8.3 | — | 1.0 | 0.8 |
| Jaylon Tyson | 14.0 | 5.4 | — | — | — |
| Keon Ellis | — | — | — | 2.0 | 0.7 |
| Lonzo Ball | — | — | — | 1.3 | — |
Donovan Mitchell leads Cleveland with 29.0 points per game, reinforcing his status as one of the most elite scorers in the Eastern Conference.
Donovan Mitchell: Cleveland’s Offensive Engine
Donovan Mitchell is having another superstar season for the Cavaliers, averaging 29.0 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. He is one of the most consistent scorers in the entire NBA and the heartbeat of everything Cleveland does offensively.
In the February 2, 2025 clash against Dallas, Mitchell was in full control from start to finish. He is the kind of player who can impose his will on a game regardless of who the Mavericks put on him.
His pace, creation ability, and midrange efficiency make him nearly impossible to stop without double-teaming, which in turn opens up Evan Mobley and James Harden for clean looks.
Evan Mobley: The Defensive Cornerstone
Evan Mobley continued his rise as one of the elite two-way big men in the NBA this season. He averages 17.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game.
Mobley was the Defensive Player of the Year last season and has carried that form into 2025-26. Against Dallas specifically, he has had outstanding performances including 22 points and 11 rebounds in the February blowout and an elite 34-point, 10-rebound performance in January.
His combination of offense, rebounding, shot-blocking, and passing makes him one of the most complete forwards in the league. Matching up against Anthony Davis or Cooper Flagg from Dallas presents a fascinating defensive chess match.
James Harden: The Trade Deadline Impact
James Harden joined Cleveland on February 4, 2026, in exchange for Darius Garland. In his time with the Cavaliers he has averaged an impressive 22.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game.
Harden brings the kind of veteran playmaking and shot creation that elevates everyone around him. His partnership with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley gives Cleveland a legitimate multi-layered offensive attack that is genuinely difficult to defend.
His pick-and-roll chemistry with Mobley is already developing into one of the more effective two-man games in the Eastern Conference.
Head-to-Head Player Matchup Comparison
| Position | DAL Player | PPG | CLE Player | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward | Cooper Flagg | 20.4 | Evan Mobley | 17.9 |
| Center/Forward | Anthony Davis | 20.4 | Jarrett Allen | 14.5 |
| Guard | Max Christie | 13.1 | Donovan Mitchell | 29.0 |
| Guard | Ryan Nembhard | — | James Harden | 22.5 |
| Forward | P.J. Washington | 14.0 | Jaylon Tyson | 14.0 |
On a player-by-player basis, Cleveland holds a clear advantage in scoring output at every position except the power forward matchup where Flagg and Mobley are genuinely competitive.
Team Stats Comparison: Cavaliers vs Mavericks 2025-26
| Stat Category | Cleveland Cavaliers | Dallas Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 36-22 | 20-36 |
| Offensive Rating | ~119 (top 5) | ~111 (26th) |
| Defensive Rating | ~112 (12th) | ~114.3 (12th) |
| Three-Point % | 35.8% | 34.2% (30th) |
| Conference | Eastern | Western |
| Division Rank | 2nd (Central) | 2nd-last (Southwest) |
The numbers confirm what the eye test suggests. Cleveland is a better team in virtually every statistical category this season. Dallas is outperforming expectation given their youth and injury issues but still has ground to cover.
Dallas Mavericks: Recent Form Going Into 2026
The Mavericks have had a turbulent 2025-26 season with a mix of encouraging performances and heavy losses. Their most recent results before the All-Star break show a team that can compete on a given night but lacks the depth and consistency of playoff-caliber rosters.
On February 22, 2026, Dallas beat Indiana 134-130 in a road win, showing heart and competitive spirit. But losses to the Lakers, Spurs twice, and Minnesota reflect the gap between Dallas and the Western Conference elite.
The Mavericks are 20-36 heading into the stretch run. Their three-point percentage ranks 30th in the league at 34.2%, which is an area that needs significant improvement.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Recent Form Going Into 2026
The Cavaliers have been on a strong run heading into the back half of the 2025-26 season. Their recent record shows wins over Brooklyn, Charlotte, Denver in overtime, Washington, and the LA Clippers by a large margin.
They did suffer a loss to Oklahoma City on February 22, 2026, by a score of 121-113, showing even top teams have off nights. But at 36-22, they remain solidly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Their next scheduled game is February 25 against the New York Knicks at home, with a win probability of 58.1% in favor of Cleveland.
Key Statistical Leaders in the DAL vs CLE Matchup
Understanding who the key statistical leaders are on both sides is essential for evaluating any Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats breakdown.
- Top Scorers in Head-to-Head Games: Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley have been the dominant performers in recent DAL vs CLE meetings. Mobley’s 34-point game in January 2025 and his 22-point explosion in February 2025 make him statistically the most impactful player in this specific matchup.
- Best Rebounder: Anthony Davis leads Dallas with 11.1 rebounds per game. Evan Mobley at 8.8 and Jarrett Allen at 8.3 give Cleveland superior frontcourt depth in the rebounding battle.
- Best Playmaker: James Harden (7.5 APG) and Donovan Mitchell (5.9 APG) make Cleveland a more sophisticated passing team than Dallas. Ryan Nembhard at 4.9 APG leads Dallas.
Coaching Strategies in This Matchup
Dallas head coach Jason Kidd faces a difficult assignment every time his rebuilt Mavericks take on a fully healthy Cleveland squad. The Mavericks are best when they push pace and allow Flagg and Davis to operate in transition.
Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson runs a highly structured half-court offense that exploits mismatches relentlessly. His system is built around Mitchell’s isolation scoring, Mobley’s interior dominance, and heavy three-point volume.
When these two coaches meet, the tactical battle centers around whether Dallas can force turnovers and push the tempo before Cleveland settles into their efficient half-court execution.
Three-Point Shooting: A Critical Difference
Three-point shooting is one of the biggest statistical gaps between these two teams this season. Cleveland’s ability to stretch defenses with multiple reliable shooters makes their offense nearly impossible to slow down.
In the February 2025 blowout, Cleveland shot 57.8% from three and set a franchise record with 26 made threes. Sam Merrill connected on nine in that single game.
Dallas ranks 30th in the league at 34.2% from three this season. Until they improve in this category, they will struggle to match teams like Cleveland who use three-point shooting as a core weapon.
Rebounding Battle: Davis vs Mobley and Allen
The frontcourt matchup in any Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers game centers around two of the best big men in the league. Anthony Davis at 11.1 rebounds per game leads the Mavericks and is one of the top rebounders in the entire NBA.
Cleveland counters with Evan Mobley at 8.8 and Jarrett Allen at 8.3. Combined, the Cleveland frontcourt duo averages 17.1 rebounds per game, which compares very favorably to Dallas’s best efforts.
The Davis vs Mobley individual matchup is one of the most fascinating in any DAL vs CLE meeting. Both are elite defenders, elite rebounders, and legitimate offensive threats.
Defensive Metrics: Who Stops Whom?
Both teams are in a similar range defensively, which is perhaps the most interesting statistical finding in this matchup analysis. Dallas’s defensive rating of 114.3 and Cleveland’s defensive rating of approximately 112 put them in similar territory on that end.
Evan Mobley’s 2.0 blocks per game and Keon Ellis’s 2.0 steals per game give Cleveland individual defensive standouts. For Dallas, Anthony Davis at 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals and Cooper Flagg at 1.2 steals provide defensive intensity.
Neither team is a dominant defensive unit this season, meaning scoring should come freely whenever these two teams meet.
What to Watch in the Next DAL vs CLE Meeting
The next time Dallas and Cleveland meet, several storylines will shape the Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats story.
- Cooper Flagg vs Evan Mobley: This is the premier positional matchup. Two elite two-way forwards under 25 years old going head to head is one of the most exciting individual battles in the entire NBA right now.
- Anthony Davis health: When Davis is healthy and engaged, Dallas is a completely different team. His defensive communication alone changes how opponents approach attacking the Mavericks.
- Kyrie Irving’s minutes: The more comfortable Irving gets returning from his ACL injury, the more dangerous Dallas becomes. Watch his usage rate closely.
- James Harden’s Cavaliers integration: The Harden-Mitchell-Mobley trio is still in its early stages. If Harden continues finding his rhythm in Kenny Atkinson’s system, Cleveland’s ceiling rises significantly.
Cooper Flagg Season Milestones in 2025-26
Cooper Flagg has been one of the best stories in the NBA this season. His season-high of 42 points came against Utah on December 12, 2025, in a remarkable individual performance that put the entire league on notice.
He also recorded a season-high efficiency rating of 44 in a home win over Denver on December 12, 2025. His consistency at 20.4 points per game across 34.1 minutes per night is extraordinary for a 19-year-old rookie.
The comparisons to all-time great forwards are already being made. He is the reason Dallas’s future looks bright despite their current 20-36 record.
How This Rivalry Has Evolved
The Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers rivalry has taken on new meaning in 2025-26 because of the completely different trajectories of the two franchises. Cleveland was the best team in the NBA last year. Dallas traded their superstar and drafted a new one.
These are two teams at very different points on their respective competitive windows. Cleveland is trying to win a championship now. Dallas is building toward one.
Every time they meet, it is both a sporting contest and a statement about where each franchise stands in the broader NBA landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats for 2025-26?
Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis co-lead Dallas at 20.4 PPG each, while Donovan Mitchell leads Cleveland with 29.0 PPG and Evan Mobley contributes 17.9 PPG and 8.8 RPG this season.
Who won the most recent Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers game?
Cleveland dominated the most recent meeting 144-101 on February 2, 2025, setting a franchise record with 91 first-half points. Evan Mobley scored 22 and Sam Merrill hit nine threes.
What is Cooper Flagg’s season stats average for 2025-26?
Cooper Flagg averages 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game this season, leading Dallas in minutes at 34.1 per night.
What are Donovan Mitchell’s stats against the Mavericks?
Donovan Mitchell averages 29.0 PPG on the season and has been dominant against Dallas, combining ball creation, isolation scoring, and clutch shot-making in every meeting between these teams.
Is Anthony Davis playing for Dallas this season?
Yes, Anthony Davis is in his first full season with Dallas after being acquired in the Luka Doncic trade. He averages 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds per game and is one of the best players on the team.
What happened to Luka Doncic in the Dallas Mavericks roster?
Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025 in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and future draft picks. Dallas then selected Cooper Flagg first overall in the 2025 draft.
What is Evan Mobley’s average this season for Cleveland?
Evan Mobley averages 17.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game in 2025-26, cementing his status as one of the best two-way big men in the Eastern Conference.
Who is the leading scorer for the Dallas Mavericks in 2025-26?
Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis are tied as the team’s leading scorers at 20.4 PPG each. Naji Marshall contributes 15.0 PPG as the third-highest scorer.
How do the current NBA standings affect the DAL vs CLE matchup?
Cleveland sits at 36-22 in the Eastern Conference while Dallas is 20-36 in the West. The standings gap reflects the different stages these franchises are at, with Cleveland contending and Dallas rebuilding.
When is the next Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers game in 2026?
The two teams do not have an immediately confirmed upcoming matchup on the near-term schedule, but fans should monitor the NBA official schedule as the season progresses for the next confirmed meeting.
Conclusion
Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats in 2026 paint a compelling picture of contrast and competition.
The Cavaliers, powered by Donovan Mitchell’s 29.0 PPG, Evan Mobley’s elite two-way play, and the new James Harden dynamic, are firmly in championship contention mode.
The Mavericks, anchored by the extraordinary Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis partnership, are building something genuinely exciting for the future despite their current 20-36 record.
Every time these two teams meet, the individual matchups are elite. Flagg vs Mobley, Davis vs Allen, and the battle for three-point dominance are all storylines worth tracking closely.
For basketball fans, this rivalry between a team winning now and a team building for tomorrow is one of the most fascinating narratives of the entire 2025-26 NBA season.
