Cavs Rally Behind Garland’s Perfect Fourth Quarter to Edge Pacers 120-116
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Darius Garland delivered a flawless final period Tuesday night in Indianapolis, scoring 14 points on 7-for-7 shooting to propel the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 120-116 comeback victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Playing without injured All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland trailed by nine entering the fourth quarter. Garland erased the deficit with a mix of back-door cuts, floaters and mid-range jumpers created by Indiana’s aggressive defensive coverage.
“That was Takeover DG from last year—big shots, tough shots,” interim coach Kenny Atkinson said.
The decisive basket came with 12.5 seconds remaining, when Garland—aided by a two-man action with center Jarrett Allen—hit a contested pull-up near the free-throw line to put the Cavaliers ahead 117-114. Cleveland closed the game at the stripe to move to 21-17 on the season.
Garland, who has struggled in crunch time for much of the year, acknowledged his back tightened late but said, “Got the win. That’s all that mattered.” Rookie guard Craig Porter Jr. added, “That’s the Darius we know.”
Despite the dramatic finish, Garland emphasized the need for stronger starts. “Our first three quarters have to be like our fourth,” he said.
Source: Hoops Wire
