The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 121-116, at American Airlines Center on Saturday night.

The Mavericks (28-41) knew they'd be fighting an uphill battle before the game even started, as Luka Doncic was announced as out due to a knee injury. However, Dallas looked like they didn't miss a beat in the first half, scoring 66 first-half points. The Cavaliers (17-53) couldn't quite keep pace, as they faced a nine-point deficit at halftime and entered the final period down by 12. That wasn't enough to deter Cleveland, as they clawed all the way back to get within three points with 5.3 seconds still remaining. Devin Harris then came through for the home squad, draining two key free throws with 4.3 seconds left to put the game out of reach.

Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 28 points and supplemented them with four assists and three rebounds. Kevin Love and Cedi Osman generated matching 22-point, four-assist tallies, with Love notably hauling in 12 rebounds as well. Jordan Clarkson poured in 17 points to lead the second unit. Ante Zizic furnished 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Tim Hardaway, Jr. led the Mavericks with 22 points, complementing them with four rebounds and two assists. Maxi Kleber generated an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Jalen Bruson and Dwight Powell turned in 16 points apiece, with Brunson also dishing out seven assists. Dorian Finney-Smith and Dirk Nowitzki generated matching 14-point, six-rebound efforts. Trey Burke registered 11 points.

The Cavaliers head back home to face the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Mavericks remain home to tangle with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday evening as well.