Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Darius Garland erupted for 40 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers came from behind to extend their unbeaten streak to 12 games with a 132-126 defeat of the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. Twenty-four hours after their bruising win over the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, the Cavs looked poised to suffer a huge upset after the Raptors opened up a 12-point lead late in the third quarter. But a late burst of scoring from Garland hauled the Cavs back into the contest, and a lopsided 34-23 fourth quarter sealed a battling victory for the Eastern Conference leaders.
Garland finished with 40 points from 14-of-22 shooting — 14 points coming in a fourth quarter flurry that swung the game decisively to Cleveland. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson was left in no doubt as to the size of Garland’s contribution to a win which leaves Cleveland leading the standings with a 33-4 record, six games clear of the reigning champion Boston Celtics. “He carried us,” Atkinson said of Garland’s performance. “This is the first game all year where I felt like one guy carried us. We weren’t good but he single-handedly took over this game.”
Related news
Atkinson said Garland’s performance was further proof of why he should be a shoo-in for next month’s All-Star game. “I respect the league but he’s got to be in that top, All-Star tier. He’s phenomenal. He completely took over the game and carried us.” With Donovan Mitchell missing from the Cavaliers line-up, Garland’s scoring support came from Evan Mobley with 21 points while Jarrett Allen provided 18 points with 15 rebounds, two blocks, and a steal to cap a fine all round display.
In other NBA games on Thursday, the injury-hit Dallas Mavericks produced a late fourth quarter escape to grab a 117-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in Dallas. The Mavs, missing injured stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, looked headed for defeat after trailing by 10 points with just over four minutes remaining. But an electrifying 16-0 run flipped the script and set up an unlikely Dallas win. P.J. Washington led the scoring with 23 points and Dereck Lively added 21 to close out victory.
In Orlando meanwhile, Julius Randle finished with 23 points and Anthony Edwards added 21 as the Minnesota Timberwolves cruised to a 104-89 victory over the Orlando Magic. In Detroit, the Golden State Warriors held off the Pistons to dig out a 107-104 win on the road. Buddy Hield led the Warriors scorers with 19 points while Stephen Curry finished with 17 after an uncharacteristically wayward shooting performance from long-range. Curry made only five-of-21 shots from the field, including only two of 14 attempted three-pointers.
In Los Angeles, meanwhile, the Lakers’ home game against the Charlotte Hornets was postponed due to the raging wildfires which have left swathes of the city in ruins. “We’re heartbroken for Los Angeles,” the Lakers said in a statement on their website. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation. And our gratitude is with the first responders and all of you who come together when we need each other the most. Tonight’s game will be rescheduled to focus on what matters most today.” Lakers head coach J.J. Redick was among the thousands affected by the blazes, with his Pacific Palisades home incinerated by the inferno.
© 2024 AFP
