Cavs Top 3: Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell gives glimpse at the future for the Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers saw what the future could hold with Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.

Darius Garland finally came back to the Cleveland Cavaliers after receiving an eye injury that left him out of action for five and a half games. Garland returned just in time as the Cavs took on the Boston Celtics for the second time this season, and his play was a major reason why the Cavs were able to smack down Boston.

The Celtics had a lead at various points and it felt like, especially late into the game, that the Celtics would push that lead so wide that the Cavs wouldn’t be able to come back from it. That wasn’t the case, however, as the Cavs mounted yet another late-game comeback. This time, however, it was the Celtics that had the late-game surge to tie the game and send the Cavs into overtime, something the Cavs have done to other teams a few times in this early season.

The Cavs were able to push for the lead and ended the night victors 114-113, behind Garland and Donovan Mitchell’s big night.

Cleveland Cavaliers top 3 vs. the Boston Celtics

1 Point – Evan Mobley

You gotta feel for Evan Mobley, who is seemingly less involved this season than last. This isn’t surprising, as Mitchell’s arrival and Garland’s injury shook up the status quo but Mobley has been playing well offensively despite his limited touches. He went 7-8,  for 15 points and seven rebounds, and played maybe his best defensive game of the year so far.

2 Points – Donovan Mitchell

Mitchell only shot 40% from the floor, but his physicality is becoming a trait the Cavs were clearly lacking last season. Mitchell’s ability to body guys as he goes to the rim is something Collin Sexton never could do. Mitchell finished with 25 points and has given the Cavs dynamic scoring options, even if his shooting is off for a night.

3 Points – Darius Garland

In his first game back, Garland shot 45% from the floor, 45% from three, and 85% from the free-throw line, while posting 29 points, 12 assists, and only one turnover. That 12-1 ratio alone would have made him a contender for the top spot. Then factor in that he shot as well as he did, after missing basically two weeks of action, all while still recovering from an injury that affected his vision. Yeah, he easily gets the top spot.

Cavs Top 3 Seasonal Standings

1. Donovan Mitchell – 16 Points
2. Cedi Osman & Jarrett Allen – 6 Points
3. Kevin Love – 5 Points
4. Darius Garland, Dean Wade & Caris LeVert – 3 Points
5. Evan Mobley – 1 Point