Key Points: Darius Garland’s Monster Assist Night Not Enough for Cavaliers

The Cavaliers gave the Sixers their toughest battle since James Harden arrived in Philadelphia. However, it wasn’t enough as the club lost by a score of 125-119 (Cavs covered for the first time in seven games).

Darius Garland had himself a night, posting 19 assists to go along with 26 points. Those assists are tied for the most by a player in a game this season (Chris Paul) and the last time the Cavs had a player with 25+ points and at least 19 assists was 2002 (Andre Miller).

“I was just being aggressive, playing my game, trying to move the ball when help was there, just overloading my side and kicking out to the guys, just trying to make the right play,” Garland told the media in Philadelphia.

Cleveland was without Caris LeVert (foot) and Rajon Rondo (toe), leaving Garland to much of the heavy lifting in the back court.

“He was trying to will us to a win and he was going to do whatever it took and we put on him with the ball in his hands a ton to make the right decisions, tonight I think he did a great job of reading what was in front of him and trying to help everyone get involved but also scoring when he needed to as well,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said of Garland’s play.

More Cavaliers Contributions

Isaac Okoro had 22 points on 7-of-8 shooting (+22).
Jarrett Allen was also ultra-efficient (9-of-11 from the field).
Evan Mobley and Kevin Love combined to score 18 points while collectively shooting 5-for-16.

Some Sixers Contributions

James Harden recorded another double-double (his third in four contests since arriving in Philadelphia) with 25 points and 11 assists.
Tyrese Maxey had a game-high 33 points, marking his fourth time this season with over 30 points this season. He added five assists.
Georges Niang had one of his best games as a Sixer, making six out of his nine attempts from behind the arc en route to 17 points off the bench.

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