Cavaliers outlast 76ers to stay perfect
Darius Garland’s third quarter helps the Cavaliers mount another comeback against the 76ers as the Cavs improve to 13-0.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, as the only undefeated team in the league, have to be on their A-game every night. Every team on any given night could be their downfall. The Philadelphia 76ers without their three stars Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyreese Maxey would look on paper to be an easy win to add to their streak. It appeared the exact opposite in the first half. While it felt like the Cavaliers’ offense was continuing their process, the shots were simply not falling.
Cavs fans have quickly become accustomed to this team being able to bounce back from slow starts as they have done so six times this season including tonight. The offense couldn’t get consistent field goals from anyone on the roster until Darius Garland came out like a flamethrower in the third quarter.
Garland scored 13 of his 25 points in the third and was simply flawless. The way Garland was able to bend defenses was the tide that raised all ships. Garland used the gravity he created to open up looks for the offense that outscored the 76ers 34-24.
Outside of Garland, the offense was very balanced. As shown throughout the season, any player on the Cavaliers seems to be ready for the moment and can shine as an impact player. Evan Mobley (14 points and 7 rebounds) and Jarrett Allen (11 points and 12 rebounds) each had their stretches where their presence was felt on both ends. In a game where Philly was without Embiid and Andre Drummond, you would have liked for them to set the tone more, but with how the 76ers were spreading the ball it was hard for the two big lineups to remain viable.
Donovan Mitchell, while not his most explosive scoring night, still was heavily involved in the offense. Mitchell for the most part was deferring the scoring to a red-hot Garland. Mitchell instead took the role of primary facilitator. Mitchell finished the game with 9 assists, but in classic Mitchell fashion, he was always able to find his spots to make the back-breaking shots that were able to seal off any 76ers comeback. Mitchell finished the game with a near triple-double totaling 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists.
The bench was evenly involved in this win. The Cavaliers had contributions from every player who suited up. From Georges Niang (8 points) to Craig Porter Jr (3 points), everyone was hitting shots that were instrumental to the Cavaliers’ second-half comeback. The Cavaliers coaching staff needs to receive the highest praise for knowing the right buttons to press when it comes to this bench. The rotations have been perfectly executed and it appears every player feels empowered and free to play within the offense.
With this win the Cavaliers extend to 13-0 and look to keep this streak going on Friday against the Chicago Bulls in their opening game for the NBA Cup on Nov. 15th.