Garland Returns, Mitchell Drops 46 as Cavaliers Outrun 76ers 132-121
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CLEVELAND — Point guard Darius Garland rejoined the lineup Wednesday and helped the Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 132-121 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Garland, sidelined since preseason, finished with eight points while directing an offense that shot 57 percent and never trailed after midway through the third quarter. Cleveland (5-3) led by as many as 26.
Mitchell catches fire
Donovan Mitchell delivered a season-high 46 points on 15-of-21 shooting, including 6-of-11 from three-point range. The All-Star guard scored from all areas, taking advantage of the spacing created by Garland’s return.
Frontcourt boost
Center Jarrett Allen, playing his first game since a finger injury, supplied 24 points and 10 rebounds while wearing a splint. Evan Mobley added 23 points and connected on 3-of-5 attempts from beyond the arc. Together, the two protected the rim throughout the night.
Supporting cast
Sam Merrill scored 14 on 4-of-6 shooting and often matched up with Tyrese Maxey, who led Philadelphia with 27 points but had to work for his looks. Rookie Jaylon Tyson contributed 10 points in a starting role, and Larry Nance Jr. chipped in seven off the bench.
Lonzo Ball went scoreless on three shots yet handed out eight assists in 22 minutes, fulfilling the playmaking and defensive role the Cavaliers envision for him.
Injury updates
Forward Dean Wade exited 38 seconds into the game after being poked in the eye; the team reported no structural damage. Cleveland was still without forward DeAndre Hunter, who missed the contest due to illness.
Philadelphia fades late
The 76ers (5-3) arrived after losing a 24-point lead Tuesday in Chicago. Wednesday’s game was tied at 72 before Cleveland surged ahead. Rookie VJ Edgecombe was limited to seven points on 3-of-14 shooting after entering the night averaging 19.7 points.
The Cavaliers were outrebounded but countered with efficient scoring and 31 assists. Head coach Kenny Atkinson said Garland’s presence “gives us confidence,” noting the immediate lift in ball movement and player roles.
Cleveland travels to Washington on Friday and hosts East-leading Chicago on Saturday.
Source: Hoops Wire
