Mavericks defeated in first game without Doncic

Just after Luka Doncic’s shock trade to the Los Angeles Lakers ended in a 144-101 defeat for the Dallas Mavericks by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Five-time NBA All-Star Doncic was part of a three-way deal involving Lakers ‘ Anthony Davis and Max Christie, who made the move to Dallas but were unable to play in Sunday’s game at Cleveland.

As the Cavaliers, who are now Eastern Conference leaders, cruised to a comfortable victory off the bench to score nine three-pointers.

Darius Garland finished with 17 points and 10 assists, while Evan Mobley added 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Boston Celtics came back from a 26-point, second-half deficit to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 118-110.

Philadelphia, who were missing Joel Embiid and Paul George through injury, dominated the early stages before defending champions Celtics rallied to outscore the hosts 54-20 in the final 15 minutes.

Jaylen Brown had 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for Boston, while Kristaps Porzingis scored 18 points with seven rebounds.

The Celtics, who are second in the Eastern Conference, play the Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, the Detroit Pistons had seven players in double figures, including Cade Cunningham with 22 points, as they defeated the Chicago Bulls 127-119.