Cavs Top 3: Darius Garland tops list after career-high assists vs.Thunder

Cleveland Cavaliers came back to defeat the Thunder thanks to Darius Garland

The Cleveland Cavaliers came back from double-digits in the second half to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night. The game was noteworthy for several reasons. Firstly, Darius Garland had a career-high in assists, but more on that later. Secondly, it marks a 5-1 record during a road trip that looked like it could get rough after a drubbing by Golden State.

Outside of that one loss, the Cavs defeated the Trail Blazers, Kings, Jazz, Spurs, and now the Thunder. They also won three of those games by five points or less.

They handled their business against the Thunder, coming back to win 107-102, and moving their season record to 26-18. They remain sixth in the Eastern playoff chase, and 2.5 games back from the Central Division lead.

While not on the Top 3, I do want to shout out Kevin Love who finished with 13 points, and a box +/- of +10. Solid numbers but he just missed out on the list.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland had a career game against Thunder

Cavs Top 3

1. Evan Mobley
2. Jarrett Allen
3. Darius Garland

The first point of the night goes to Evan Mobley, who finished with 20 points on 8-14 shooting, going 4-5 from the free-throw line. He finished with just five rebounds but also had two blocks, and his defense was key for getting the Cavs back in the game.

The two points for the game go to Jarrett Allen, who had 13 points and 13 rebounds. The Thunder played hack-a-Shaq against him, sending him to the line eight times, hitting just three of those shots. That said, his interior defense, alongside Mobley’s were huge keys for the comeback.

The three points of the game go to Darius Garland for his double double of 27 poins and a career-high 18 assists for the game. Garland’s rode trip saw him struggle shooting from three, but he really showed his value as a play-maker. His ability to adapt to shooting struggles, and find other ways to contribute is something that he and others struggled with last year. To see Garland adapt and thrive without being a threat from three in recent games is a strong sign that he’s going to become what the team needs him to be.

Yearly Standing:

1. Jarrett Allen (47 points)
2. Darius Garland (45)
3. Kevin Love (38)
4. Ricky Rubio (32points)
5. Lauri Markkanen (29 points)
6. Cedi Osman (25 points)
7. Evan Mobley (24 points)
8. Dean Wade (5 Points)
9. *Tie* Lamar Stevens/Isaac Okoro (4 points)
10. Rajon Rondo (3 points)
11. Dylan Windler (1 point)