The host Dallas Mavericks beat the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, 104 - 97. Dallas (18 - 30) is now 7 - 4 in its last 11 games, and is coming off its best two - game stretch of the season. The Mavs were able to take down two of the league's top three teams on consecutive days, following a win over the Spurs by taking down the reigning champion Cavaliers. With Cleveland missing Kevin Love, the Mavericks were able to force the Cavs to rely extremely heavily on Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. Dallas, meanwhile, took a more balanced approach. Five Mavericks took at least 11 shot attempts, and all five scored in double figures. Forward Harrison Barnes led the team with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Cleveland (32 - 15) is floundering in the new year, having now dropped to three games under .500 in 2017. The team now holds only a 3 game lead on the first seed in the Eastern Conference. Superstar LeBron James characteristically put his work in on Monday, scoring 23 points to go with nine rebounds and nine assists. Kyrie Irving, meanwhile, shot only 7 - of - 21 for 18 points and dished out just five assists on the night. The Cavs struggled again with ball movement, recording only 17 team assists in the game. Cleveland will host the Timberwolves on Wednesday, while Dallas will host Philadelphia.
["TeamStat(G,'Mavericks') has 30 Losses ,has 104 Total points ,has 18 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Cavaliers') has 15 Losses ,has 97 Total points ,has 32 Wins ."]