Cavs: Darius Garland’s bad play and 3 other things from the Pacers NYE loss

The Cavs fell to on New Year’s Eve, 119-99 in a game that saw Darius Garland turn the ball over six times against the Domantas Sabonis led Pacers.

The Cavs found out the hard way that Domantas Sabonis is about to take that next step as a player, leading the Pacers to a 119-99 win over the crew from Cleveland. The 24-year-old is quickly becoming the best big in the Eastern Conference and entering the day’s game was averaging 21 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. He finished the game with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and yes, seven assists. His play meant that the Cleveland Cavaliers needed to be nearly perfect, and they were anything but, starting with Darius Garland.

Garland had a nice shooting day, going 8-of-14 from the floor and 5-of-7 from the three-point line, while also tacking on five assists. His 21 points weren’t enough, however, as he turned the ball over six times. A major issue for the game as a whole. The Cavs as a team had just 22 assists to 19 turnovers.

Collin Sexton led the Cavs with 28 points, while Larry Nance was still the Swiss Army Knife of the team, dropping 10 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. Kevin Love and Isaac Okoro were not in the lineup.

Here’s what we learned from the game.

Isaac Okoro wouldn’t have helped

Unless he can play defense on Sabonis, Okoro wouldn’t have really helped. Sabonis is straight-up dominating right now, and only Nikola Jokic is playing on his level at that position. Good luck stopping an athletic center, with a touch from the arc and great hands.

Cedi’s no good, very bad, horrible shooting night

The biggest issue with this game besides Garland’s turnovers is Cedi Osman’s shooting. For two straight games, Osman has shot terribly and shocker, the Cavs lost both games. Osman’s ability to be consistent is going to be key in this team winning. If he’s not shooting well, the Cavs will struggle.

This team can’t play defense

Garland posted a +/- of -21 on the day. That’s ghastly and negates any real effect Garland may have scoring the ball. He’s not the only one, as Javle McGree and Osman both had plus/minuses of -19 or worse. That’s unacceptable. The Cavs can’t win with Garland and company playing that way.

This team isn’t better without Kevin Love

Say what you will about his defense, Love can at least score enough points to keep you in a game like this. Sure Sabonis would get his stats no matter what, but at least having Love out there will force him to go against another big who can score as he does. You don’t have that with Andre Drummond or McGee.