Cavaliers build early double-digit lead over Mavericks in Dallas as Mobley and Harden set pace

Game snapshot: Cleveland in control early at American Airlines Center

The Cleveland Cavaliers established control early against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, March 13, 2026, turning efficient shooting and ball movement into a 40-26 lead after the first quarter in Dallas. By halftime, Cleveland had extended the margin to 67-50, maintaining a steady advantage through the opening minutes of the third quarter.

With 5:06 remaining in the third period, the Cavaliers led 89-70, having outscored Dallas in each of the first two quarters and matching the Mavericks in the second (29-24) and third-quarter scoring pace to that point.

Efficiency and spacing: Cleveland’s early shooting edge

Cleveland’s advantage was rooted in shot-making and spacing. Through the third quarter at the 5:06 mark, the Cavaliers were 37-of-58 from the field (63.8%) and 12-of-23 from three-point range (52.2%). Dallas, meanwhile, was 27-of-55 (49.1%) with an 8-of-18 mark from three (44.4%).

The Cavaliers also generated consistent offense without excessive turnover risk, recording 21 assists against seven turnovers at that stage. Dallas also had 21 assists but committed nine turnovers, limiting its ability to close the gap during key stretches.

Key contributors: Mobley leads scoring; Harden drives creation

Evan Mobley was Cleveland’s top scorer at the 5:06 mark of the third quarter, with 27 points on 12-of-15 shooting, adding seven rebounds and two assists in 22 minutes. Mobley’s scoring efficiency anchored Cleveland’s interior production while complementing the Cavaliers’ perimeter accuracy.

James Harden provided the primary playmaking thrust, posting 17 points and seven assists with six rebounds. Harden connected on 6-of-11 shooting and hit three three-pointers, helping Cleveland sustain pace after made baskets and stabilize half-court possessions.

• Cleveland (top scorers at 5:06, third quarter): Evan Mobley 27 points; James Harden 17.
• Dallas (top scorers at 5:06, third quarter): Cooper Flagg 17 points; Naji Marshall 14.

Dallas response: Flagg and Marshall carry the scoring load

For Dallas, Cooper Flagg led with 17 points, three rebounds and five assists on 6-of-12 shooting. Naji Marshall added 14 points and five rebounds on 6-of-10 shooting. Beyond that pair, Dallas had limited scoring from other primary options early in the second half, with Khris Middleton at two points and Klay Thompson at four points at that point of the game.

Team totals at 5:06, third quarter: Cavaliers 89, Mavericks 70.

Stat lines that shaped the game

Beyond shooting, Cleveland’s edge showed up in defensive activity and possession control. The Cavaliers recorded seven steals to Dallas’ two and had a 3-1 advantage in blocks at the same point in the third quarter. Rebounding was nearly even (28-27 total rebounds), keeping the contest primarily determined by shot efficiency and turnovers rather than second-chance volume.