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Darius Garland and Kevin Love in the Cavs Top 3 following the Celtics loss

By Chad Porto

Dec 22, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) defends against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) defends against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cavs fell short vs. the Celtics but due to Darius Garland and Kevin Love.

The Cavs were without several key players as they took on the Celtics on Wednesday, falling 111-101 and dropping their season record to 19-13. The Cavs were without Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, Isaac Okoro, and five other bench players for the game against the Celtics, causing the team to shake up its rotation and rely on some guys they normally wouldn’t.

Those eight total players missed the game due to testing positive for COVID. This is the second time this season the Cavs had to play a game (and possibly more) with players out due to health and safety protocols. The first time was earlier this season when Kevin Love and Lauri Markkanen missed time.

The team did mount a comeback or two during the game, they just fell short. Had guys like Markkanen and Ricky Rubi shot better, the team may have actually pulled off the comeback upset.

Now, onto the Top 3. We’re dropping the Three Worst Performers for the time being. With how well the Cavs are playing, there’s not a lot to talk about. So I’ll bring back the three worst performers only on nights that warrant it.

The three best from Wednesday’s tough loss to the Celtics

The Best Three Performers

  1. Cedi Osman
  2. Kevin Love
  3. Darius Garland

Cedi Osman went 1-7 from three last night but finished third on the team in points with 13. His box +/- of -7 was among the better performances in the shorthanded loss to the Celtics. So he gets the one point.

Kevin Love gets the two-pointer of the game for his double-double off the bench. He finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and a box +/- of -5. He too had a rough night shooting from three, hitting just 1-5.

The three-pointer goes to Darius Garland who shot 50% from the floor. He finished with 28 points, six assists, three steals, and a box+/- of -6. Not a great game by the Cavs but one that makes sense considering all they were without.

Yearly Standing:

  • Jarrett Allen (34 points)
  • Darius Garland (31 points)
  • Ricky Rubio (29 points)
  • Cedi Osman (23 points)
  • Kevin Love (22 points)
  • Lauri Markkanen (21 points)
  • Kevin Love (20 points)
  • Evan Mobley (14 points)
  • *Tied* Dean Wade & Isaac Okoro (4 points)
  • Dylan Windler (1 point)

Next. Cavs are projected to have 2 All-Stars for Cleveland-based All-Star Game. dark

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