What happened: Mario Hezonja scored 22 points and Tyrese Proctor posted a 24-point triple-double to carry the Cleveland Cavaliers past Dallas 127-117. With all five regular starters sidelined following a back-to-back, Proctor added 11 rebounds and 10 assists while making four 3-pointers. Hezonja and the reserve unit maintained the offensive pace throughout the night to close out the victory.
Why it matters: The win lifts Cleveland to 7-7 through 14 games, keeping the Cavaliers at the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. The performance validates the roster depth established when the franchise introduced its newest additions ahead of camp, including Hezonja. Weathering back-to-backs with reserve production prevents the team from slipping in the early-season conference standings.
By the numbers: Proctor is averaging 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in 2026-27 through 13 games. Hezonja has recorded 8.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in 2026-27 through 14 games. Cleveland stands at 7-7 in 2026-27 through 14 games, ranking sixth in the Eastern Conference.
What to watch: Cleveland monitors player availability as its starting lineup recovers ahead of the next regular-season contest. Continued rotation contributions from Proctor and Hezonja could earn both expanded roles in the second unit.