The Cleveland Cavaliers are for real. In our “Game of the Night,” Cleveland outlasted the Boston Celtics in overtime, 114-113.
Darius Garland returned from an eye injury that caused him to miss CLE’s first six games: he scored 29! points and dished out 12 assists. His chemistry with new backcourt mate Donovan Mitchell was apparent* in their first official outing. Even without Garland, Cleveland’s already passed the eye test as a formidable unit: taking care of business with a balanced effort led by Mitchell.
Not many teams in the East (or the entire league really) can effectively match the talent of Cleveland’s starting five (Garland, Mitchell, Caris LeVert, Evan Mobley & Jarrett Allen), let alone a second group featuring talented players like Kevin Love, Cedi Osman & Dean Wade (among others).
Overcoming the (equally as hot & talented) Bucks in the Central Division won’t be easy but could be in play if they continue at such a torrid pace.
*the pair connected on niiice alley-oop in OT