During the Mavericks' ascension to prominence this decade, they've felt at home on the road more often than not. Dallas has reached the playoffs the last nine years and posted a winning record away from home in six of those. But two of those losing records have been in the last two seasons. And it's not a coincidence that the Mavs started both postseasons on the road. Winning road records lead to better overall records and higher seeds. Though it's early, Dallas' strong start in enemy buildings is a good sign for a team that wants to challenge in the Western Conference.
Even with Saturday's loss at Cleveland on the second half of a road back-to-back, the Mavs are 7-3 (.700) outside of Big D. Only Orlando and Boston have better winning percentages on the road.
The Cavaliers were the third road game in a stretch of five of six away. Dallas won the first two at Houston and Indiana by an average of 26 points but was dominated Saturday.
"Giving up 60 percent shooting on the last game of a trip leaves a sour taste in your mouth," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "I loved the way we played in Houston and Indiana, but this was a stinker."
The Mavs return home to face Philadelphia on Monday before playing another two on the road.
CAVALIERS 111, MAVERICKS 95: Dirk Nowitzki matched LeBron James on the scorecard, but Cleveland's star did more across the board as the Cavaliers easily handled Dallas. The Mavericks (12-5) had their three-game winning streak snapped.
Nowitzki scored a game-high 27 and Jason Terry scored 25 off the bench, but Dallas couldn't slow down Cleveland's attack. James had 25 points and 12 assists, as the Cavs shot a sizzling 58 percent.
The Mavs were also dominated on the boards 39-24. Dallas did make a run in the third quarter to cut a 13-point deficit to eight heading into the fourth. Cleveland quickly pushed the lead back to double figures early in the final period and was never threatened.
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