Proctor's triple-double powers Cavs over Mavs 127-117
Cleveland won on the road despite missing all five starters, with the Australian guard recording career highs in points and assists.
By James Foster ·
Tyrese Proctor recorded a triple-double to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 127-117 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night. The Australian native finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-best 10 assists in the victory at the Dell Center.
The performance marked Proctor's first triple-double. He became the first player for Cleveland to achieve the feat since Max Strus did so against Charlotte on April 14, 2024. His scoring and playmaking totals set new career records, while his rebounding effort matched his professional best.
The Cavaliers played without their entire usual starting lineup due to injuries and travel complications. Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Peyton Watson were all sidelined. Sixth man Sam Merrill also sat out with a right hamstring issue. The team ruled out its starters after travel delays following a nationwide ground stop on Friday, which forced the squad to stay overnight in South Florida after a loss to the Miami Heat.
Dallas relied heavily on Kyrie Irving, who scored 34 points. The former Cleveland guard found his rhythm in the third quarter, scoring 20 of his total points in that period. Cooper Flagg contributed 18 points and eight rebounds for the Mavericks. Flagg and Proctor, both drafted in 2025 and former college teammates, shared a brief hug after Proctor recorded his tenth assist on a pass to Mario Hezonja.
Cleveland built a decisive lead in the fourth quarter. Proctor hit consecutive 3-pointers to give the Cavaliers their largest margin of victory at 113-91. Irving attempted to close the gap with a long 3-pointer with 2:23 remaining, pulling Dallas within 122-112. The Mavericks' next possession ended when Irving missed a 31-foot attempt that would have narrowed the deficit to seven points.
Irving received the loudest ovation from the crowd during pregame introductions. He is known for hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals for the Cavaliers. For Cleveland, Mario Hezonja added 22 points, while rookie Meleek Thomas recorded a season-high 20 points. Norchad Omier provided 13 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
The Mavericks will travel to Boston on Sunday. The Cavaliers will host the Chicago Bulls on Monday.
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