Overview
- A nationwide FAA ground stop left the Cavaliers stranded in Miami and delayed their return, and the team ruled its usual starters out for the Nov. 14 home game as a precaution for player health.
- Coach Kenny Atkinson listed Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Peyton Watson and Jarrett Allen inactive before tipoff while Evan Mobley was already out with a left big‑toe sprain.
- Cleveland started a mostly reserve lineup of Tyrese Proctor, Meleek Thomas, Jaylon Tyson, Mario Hezonja and Thomas Bryant and won 127-117, with Proctor recording a 24‑11‑10 triple‑double.
- Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 34 points but Dallas could not overcome Cleveland’s hot reserves, and Irving was later listed questionable for the Mavericks’ next game in Boston.
- The episode underscores a league‑wide shift toward protecting player health after travel disruptions, shows tangible depth on the Cavs’ roster, and could prompt coaches to rethink minute management and rotation choices.