Doncic reaches milestone in Mavs’ win over Cavs

Luka Doncic had 24 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and passed the 5,000-point plateau for his career as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 110-90, on Friday, May 7 (Saturday, May 8, Manila time).

With his seventh point of the game, Doncic, who played only 23 minutes, became the fourth youngest NBA player (22 years, 67 days) to reach 5,000 points. Only LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony were younger.

Tim Hardaway Jr added 20 points as the Mavericks (39-28) have won 9 of their past 12 games. Josh Richardson contributed 18 points for Dallas.

The Cavaliers (21-46) have lost 9 straight games and will host the Mavericks on Sunday in the second of two games between the teams this season.

Collin Sexton scored 27 points for the Cavaliers. Cedi Osman added 22 points and 7 assists, Isaac Okoro scored 15 points, and Jarrett Allen had 5 points and 12 rebounds.

The Mavericks led by as 29 points during the 3rd quarter and took a 21-point lead into the 4th quarter.

Cleveland cut the lead to 14 on two free throws by Sexton with 6:12 to play, as the Mavericks rested some regulars in the 4th quarter.

The Mavericks led almost from the start, with Trey Burke hitting a 49-foot three-pointer to end the first quarter that gave Dallas a 33-19 lead.

A Richardson jumper gave Dallas a 47-27 lead with 6:34 remaining in the 2nd quarter. The lead reached 25 with 4:46 to go in the half on another Richardson jump shot. Doncic completed the first-half scoring with a three-point play and Dallas led 62-37.

The Mavericks led 75-48 on a Richardson jumper with 6:27 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Okoro made one of two free throws to trim the lead to 19 points with 3:12 to play in the period. The Mavericks scored the next 6 points.

A Sexton driving layup completed the third-quarter scoring. Dallas led 86-65.

Dallas was without JJ Redick (heel), Maxi Kleber (Achilles), and Kristaps Porzingis (knee) on Friday.

Darius Garland (ankle) and Kevin Love (knee) were out for Cleveland. – Rappler.com