Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell electrified fans on Friday with a spectacular windmill dunk over Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg during a 138-105 victory. The play, a signature move for Mitchell, underscored the Cavaliers’ dominant performance and highlighted the growing rivalry between the veteran star and the promising rookie.
The Cavaliers, currently fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 40-26 record as of March 16, 2026, showcased their offensive prowess in Dallas. Evan Mobley led all scorers with 29 points, while Mitchell contributed 24 points and eight assists. The win marked the first of two consecutive games against the Mavericks, with the rematch scheduled for Sunday in Cleveland. This game is part of a challenging stretch for the Cavaliers, who also face the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls this week.
Mitchell’s Highlight-Reel Play
The pivotal moment occurred in the second quarter with the Cavaliers leading 42-33. Mitchell intercepted a pass from Flagg at the top of the key and drove towards the basket, executing his trademark windmill dunk over the defending rookie. The play quickly went viral on social media, with a clip shared widely on X (formerly Twitter).
Donovan Mitchell hits his signature windmill gather over Cooper Flagg 😮💨🔥pic.twitter.com/aW3bBKzN6l
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 14, 2026
The athleticism and skill displayed by Mitchell were praised by analysts and fans alike. The play serves as a reminder of Mitchell’s ability to create highlight-reel moments, even against top young talent like Flagg, who is considered the frontrunner for NBA Rookie of the Year.
Flagg’s Performance and Mavericks’ Struggles
Despite the loss, Cooper Flagg delivered a strong performance, leading the Mavericks in scoring with 25 points. He also added 10 assists, demonstrating his all-around game. However, the Mavericks have struggled recently, losing nine of their last ten games and holding a 3-19 record since January 24, 2026. The team was without center Daniel Gafford, which contributed to the Cavaliers’ ability to score 72 points in the paint.
Flagg is returning to form after missing eight consecutive games with a foot injury. His performance against the Cavaliers showcased his potential and resilience, despite facing a tough matchup against a seasoned player like Mitchell.
Cavaliers’ Dominance and Mitchell’s Contract
The Cavaliers’ victory was a team effort, with Evan Mobley scoring a season-high-tying 29 points. James Harden also contributed with 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Cleveland’s strong performance underscores their position as a contender in the Eastern Conference. Donovan Mitchell, who signed a three-year, $150.3 million contract extension with the Cavaliers in July 2024, has been a key component of their success since joining the team in 2022. He has been selected to the NBA All-Star team as a member of the Cavaliers for three consecutive years, from 2023 to 2026.
Mitchell recently returned from a four-game absence due to a groin injury, further highlighting his importance to the Cavaliers’ lineup. His ability to score and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a vital asset for the team’s playoff aspirations.
Looking Ahead
The Cavaliers and Mavericks will face each other again on Sunday, March 17th, in Cleveland, giving Flagg another opportunity to compete against Mitchell. Following the rematch, the Cavaliers will travel to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks on Tuesday and then head to Chicago to face the Bulls on Thursday, before concluding the week on the road against the Modern Orleans Pelicans. The Cavaliers will aim to maintain their momentum and solidify their position in the Eastern Conference standings as the regular season progresses.
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