Cavs Top 3 Performers in lackluster loss to star-less Lakers squad

The Cavs fell to the Lakers on Friday night (Saturday morning) to a final of 100-86. The Lakers played the game without LeBron James or Anthony Davis and despite trailing for some of the game, were able to command the second half and eventually maintain a solid lead until time expired. The Cavs are notoriously bad in the third quarter, a problem that has continued even past the All-Star break.

The Cavs themselves were without Collin Sexton, who continues to nurse a minor leg injury, nor did they have Kevin Love, who remains out of action due to lingering issues with his calf.

The Cavaliers were unable to generate much offense the entire game and had 21 turnovers on the night, far more in the first quarter than at any other point. Despite that, they still maintained their lead for the first half.

Darius Garland, Larry Nance, and Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavs offensively putting up 14, 17, and 123 points respectively. Outside of those three, no other player put in double-digit scoring efforts, with Quinn Cook coming closest with nine points.

Montrezl Harrell led the game with 24 points, coming off the bench for the Lakers.

This was the first game the Cavs played without Andre Drummond (bought out) and JaVale McGee (traded) part of the team.

Top 3 Game Performers

1 Point – Darius Garland

Darius Garland had an ok game, shooting 6-17 from the floor, 1-6 from three with 15 points, five assists, and four turnovers. He’s been wildly inconsistent from game to game, sometimes looking like a top-level player and other times disappearing completely.

2 Points – Jarrett Allen

Jarrett Allen is having a rough time shooting the ball, another bad day from him, going 4-10 from the floor, with just 13 points. He did have 11 rebounds, five assists, and a block though. Allen isn’t the offensive player he needs to be at this point in his career, however. He needs to work on his shot.

3 Points – Larry Nance

The Swiss Army Nance does it again, with 17 points, on 7-13 shooting from the floor (1-2 from three), with 10 rebounds, five assists, and a block. Nance continues to be the most dynamic player on the team and is arguably in the running for the team’s best overall player.