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All-Star Break Awards: Is Darius Garland or Donovan Mitchell the squad MVP?

By Chad Porto

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 23: Darius Garland #10 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk during a free-throw against the Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 23, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Raptors defeated the Cavaliers 118-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 23: Darius Garland #10 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk during a free-throw against the Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 23, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Raptors defeated the Cavaliers 118-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 16: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 16, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pelicans 113-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 16: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 16, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pelicans 113-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Most Valuable Player:  Darius Garland

Runner Up: Donovan Mitchell

The Cleveland Cavaliers have two obvious Most Valuable Player candidates in Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. While it looks like either man could take the award at this point, we’re going with Garland for a few reasons.

Stats aside, as they’re comparable, Garland has more games played (barely), better shooting stats (barely) and is the current point leader in our season-long Cavs Top 3 rankings. Garland has been the more even player, and while Mitchell has a higher ceiling than Garland, he also has a lower floor. Garland is usually around 20 points a night, while Mitchell could be in the 40s one night, and then score just 12 the next.

Garland is the steadier hand when it’s all said and done, and that gives him the award as of today. With 21 games left, it’s anyone’s ballgame still.

Mitchell has to be more event throughout the last 21 games, and in doing so, has to put up more 30+, 40+, and 50+ point games. He has a lower floor than Garland but he also has the ability to put up far more impressive outings. If he can continue down that path, he’ll unseat Garland for the year-end winner.

Outside of Garland and Mitchell, there really isn’t a third person to look out for, but Evan Mobley could make things interesting.

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