The Dallas Mavericks played their first game since trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and acquiring Anthony Davis, and it was a dismal performance. The team lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 144-101, with the Cavs scoring 91 points in the first half. Sam Merrill led the way for Cleveland with nine 3-pointers, as the team made 16 in the first half and 26 total.
Cavaliers star Evan Mobley credited the team’s success to their ability to stay focused despite the trade news. “Everyone was just locked in even with the trade and everything that was going on today,” Mobley said. “We started hot and kept our foot on the gas.”
The Mavericks’ loss was a fitting end to a wild day for the team, which saw the departure of five-time All-Star Doncic. Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison defended the trade, saying that it was a move to position the team to win now and in the future.
Doncic’s $207 million extension was set to expire this year, and he was due for a supermax deal worth over $340 million. Harrison said that the trade was a way to secure the team’s future and avoid a tumultuous summer.
The trade has left many fans reeling, but Harrison believes that it was the right move for the team. “I understand why [fans] would be shocked, initially,” Harrison said. “But I do believe that we positioned ourselves to win now and also win in the future. And that’s ultimately the goal and why we’re here.”