Amidst a tough season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team has continued to amass accolades. The 16-14 record is still far from ideal, but a strong performance against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night helped them snap a three-game skid.
In the team’s victory, guard Darius Garland tied LeBron James atop the franchise leaderboard for games with 20+ points, 10+ assists, and 5+ threes. This marked the eighth time that Garland put up such a line, moving him square with The King for most by a Cavalier.
Garland has had a mini-breakout for the team after a long spell of struggles, and it has come a much-needed time.
We are just two days away from the Cavs battling the Knicks on Christmas Day, and he’s hitting his stride at the perfect time.
Darius Garland Stepping Up for Cavs
While Darius Garland has seen his efficiency plummet for the Cavs overall this season, his play of late has given the team a lot of hope. Over his last two games, the Vanderbilt product has averaged 31 points and nine assists, hitting 11 of 18 shots from beyond the arc.
Tying LeBron James for 20-10 games with five threes is a big deal. One more, and he’ll be the franchise leader.
The improved vibes in Cleveland of late are coming at a time where the fans have been reigning down boos. Two straight losses to a Chicago Bulls team that entered that part of the calendar having lost 14 of 18 games overall.
Garland and his backcourt mate Donovan Mitchell have both been playing great ball, with the two of them able to help make life easier for the other. De’Andre Hunter had a 27-point night off the bench in a much-needed breakout against Charlotte.
There is a reason that this was a team that had three All-Stars a season ago, and the best record in the East.
The defense still has a lot of work to be done, but the fact that the offense dropped 139 on Charlotte, says that they can still find their energy amidst a rough patch.
Darius Garland Looking to Stay Hot
Even better news for Cleveland, is that Darius Garland can now play back-to-backs. Tuesday night against the red-hot New Orleans Pelicans will mark the first time all year he will play in a game on consecutive days.
The lack of continuity and his injury recovery have hindered him to open the year, but things seem to be turning the other way. Garland is getting his positive rep back, while starting to move a lot more efficiently.
Rumors have broken out about Garland potentially being a trade candidate, though the team would be hard-pressed to move on from the 2X All-Star at a time like this. This guy, when healthy, has proven to be one of the most electric, efficient guards in the association.
The lack of height has at times hurt Cleveland on the defensive end, though they were ranked very high on that side of the ball during their dominant run all 2024-25 long.
This is a team with high aspirations, and staying healthy is a big thing for them as they try to rise. When Evan Mobley returns from his calf injury, the expectation will be a whole lot of wins.
Garland and Mitchell are continuing to try to keep the team afloat. And perhaps a strong showing in the week ahead, can silence the doubters.
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