NBA FINAL: Quentin Grimes’ EXPLOSIVE 20-Point Quarter Can’t Save Mavericks in Nail-Biter vs Cavaliers

The Dallas Mavericks out-rebounded the Cleveland Cavaliers 53-46 in a narrow 124-122 loss, marking their first defeat in regulation this season when securing at least 50 rebounds (8-1). Despite the loss, the Mavericks tied the Boston Celtics for the fourth-most games this season with 120+ points, reaching the milestone for the 17th time.

Quentin Grimes shone in his 200th career game, scoring a team-high 26 points (9-14 FG, 7-7 FT) along with 6 assists. His performance included a career-first 20-point quarter, joining Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving as Mavericks with such an achievement since 2022-23. Grimes also became only the second Maverick in history to log 20 points and 4 assists in a single quarter.

Jaden Hardy added 17 points, while Brandon Williams contributed 13 points and 3 rebounds off the bench. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s Evan Mobley powered the Cavaliers with a game-high 34 points and 10 assists, moving to 10th on the franchise’s all-time blocks list.

The Cavaliers improved to a franchise-best 30-4 start, extending their win streak to nine games, tying their 2008-09 record. Darius Garland also made history, surpassing World B. Free for 13th on the Cavaliers’ all-time scoring list.