Cavs: Three takeaways from thrilling comeback win over Heat

Takeaway #2: Garland had an underrated performance

It may go somewhat unnoticed, because of the performance KPJ had, but Garland was a big part of the huge comeback.

In this game he had 14 points on five-of-12 shooting, including two-of-four from deep, and dished out seven assists.

He also had five rebounds, 2 steals and a block, per ESPN. When it mattered most, Garland also did a nice job initiating the offense in the fourth quarter.

Coming in as a rookie, playmaking has probably been the most underrated part of his game. He did an outstanding job, and in the fourth quarter, in particular, when a couple times he was able to get in the lane and/or pull it back out, and find his teammates for easy baskets.

Garland didn’t have a huge scoring impact, but he did have some key points from the free throw line and had a big basket at the end of the fourth that helped at least get the game to overtime. From there, in OT, he was able to hit a clutch basket by forcing Bam Adebayo into a goaltend, which built another three-point lead and this time, the Cavs hung on for good.

While Garland can be more consistent, the Cavaliers are at their best when he’s initiating the offense.

Granted, you want him to be more aggressive and get to the free throw line more, but with a full summer to work with and an opportunity to get stronger, I believe that will be the case more next season.