Following the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, the Dallas Mavericks appeared disoriented in their first game without their star player. They suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, losing 144-101.

Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill had a standout performance, sinking nine 3-pointers. Cleveland showcased remarkable shooting prowess, draining 16 3-pointers in the first half alone and finishing the game with a total of 26. Merrill expressed surprise at the team's offensive explosion, noting the difficulty of maintaining focus in games with significant roster changes. He commended the starters for setting the tone and the bench for maintaining the momentum.

Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers' star, attributed the team's success to their unwavering focus despite the day's trade news. He highlighted the team's strong start and their ability to maintain their intensity throughout the game. The Cavaliers built a substantial lead early on, reaching 80 points with four minutes remaining in the first half and ultimately scoring 91 points by halftime.

The trade marked a significant shift for the Mavericks. General Manager Nico Harrison justified the trade as a strategic move to position the team for both immediate and future success. He acknowledged the initial shock of fans but emphasized the importance of prioritizing long-term goals. Harrison explained that the trade allowed the Mavericks to preemptively address the potential challenges of Doncic's impending supermax eligibility and potential opt-out, recognizing the widespread interest from other teams in acquiring the star player.

Doncic expressed gratitude to Mavericks fans for their support during his time with the team, but notably omitted any mention of the organization itself in his farewell message.