Darius Garland comes alive in a big week for the Cavaliers.
Darius should’ve been an all star. I’m not sure one person in the world legitimately thinks Haliburton is better, but it is what it is. He’s balling, and winning. All you can ask for.
Game 1, vs the LA Clippers: Another day, another dominating game for Cleveland in the 122-99 win. Cedi Osman came in scorching hot, going 7 of 7 from down town and scoring 29 points. Garland was taken out of the game early due to the score, but still finished with a 16 point, 10 assist double double in just 23 minutes. Mitchell scored 11 before he was pulled. It seems like JB is finally figuring out his rotations. The Clippers were without Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, but you can only play who suits up. And the Cavs handled business with ease.
Game 2, vs the Miami Heat: A rare home loss for Cleveland as they fall to Miami, 100-97 in Cleveland. Mitchell’s ground is seriously bothering him and he lacks the explosiveness he’s known for. He’s having trouble driving, and getting his feet set. The Cavs did what they always do, battled themselves back into the game, but ultimately the Heats stifling defense bailed them out. Bam and Allen had a really fun battle against each other here, with Bam scoring 18 and Allen 14. Butler led the way for Miami with 23, while the high man for Cleveland was the ever improving Evan Mobley with 19. A tough game, with a tough result but not a terrible performance from Cleveland.
Game 3, vs The Memphis Grizzlies: The saying is don’t poke the bear… right? Or is it don’t poke the Cavalier? The Grizzlies, who have been all over social media for the wrong reasons lately, talked a lot per usual. Played dirty, per usual. Dillon brooks purposely rolled into Donovan Mitchell’s legs, and then hit him in the groin which led to Mitchell shoving Brooks to the ground. Brooks was suspended 1 game, Mitchell fined. The Cavs were awarded with a flagrant 2 as a result. This game was domination in Cleveland, as they pick up the win 128-113. Mitchell again, looked hurt until the ejection. Darius Garland was feeling spicy, scoring 32 and dishing out 11 assists for Cleveland. He was very aggressive in driving to the paint here. Cedi Osman was a huge spark off of the bench with 21, and Rubio showed flashes of his old self and scored 13. Good game, Cavaliers. They have that dog in them after all.
All stats provided courtesy of NBA.com
John Zimmerman