Garland’s return sparks Cavaliers to season-high 132-121 win over 76ers
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CLEVELAND — Darius Garland suited up for the first time this season on Wednesday night and helped the Cleveland Cavaliers post their highest point total of the year, a 132-121 home victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 25-year-old point guard, back after offseason surgery on his left big toe, started and logged 26 minutes, finishing with eight points and four assists. Garland had missed Cleveland’s first seven games following the procedure in early June, which stemmed from a turf-toe injury that sidelined him for four postseason contests last spring.
Without him, Cleveland entered the night with an offensive rating of 111.3, fifth-lowest in the league, after leading the NBA at 121.0 last season. Head coach Kenny Atkinson described the attack as “clunky,” noting that Donovan Mitchell was forced to handle point-guard duties while Evan Mobley created more of his own shots.
Garland’s return quickly altered the flow. Cleveland opened the game on a 30-13 burst and closed the first quarter up 41-27, going 15-for-29 from the field and 7-for-16 beyond the arc. “Those first seven minutes, that was Cavs basketball,” Atkinson said. “Darius got us in our comfort zone. Everybody went back to their role.”
Philadelphia erased the deficit to tie the score at 72 in the third period, but Cleveland responded with two extended runs and entered the fourth quarter ahead by 20. The Cavaliers’ 132 points surpassed their previous season high.
Mitchell scored a season-best 46 points and credited Garland for easing the offensive load. “When you have an All-Star out there who can create, it puts everyone at ease,” he said.
Garland shot 3-for-11 overall and 2-for-7 from three-point range, connecting on his first basket — a corner three — 1:12 into the contest. “I was definitely tired out there, trying to get my wind back,” he admitted. “When that first three fell, it felt good.”
Source: ESPN
