1 stud and 1 dud for Cavs in win over Wizards on Friday

Cavs stud: Darius Garland

With Sexton out of the lineup, more was added to the plate of Cleveland’s young up-and-coming point guard Darius Garland. But Garland has responded positively to taking over the reins of the offense.

Over the past 10 games, Garland has taken a step forward. The third-year point guard has averaged 22.3 points per game on 45 percent shooting (34 percent from beyond the arc) in that span. More impressively, Garland is dishing out 7.4 assists per game over the last 10 contests.

Garland’s talent was on full display last night against the Wizards, as he poured in 32 points on 65 percent shooting (5-of-6 from three-point range) and also dished out 10 assists. Garland nearly recorded a triple-double, as he came just two rebounds short of a career first.

One number that was a bit concerning was Garland’s seven turnovers last night, and he did admittedly foul out in that one; one shouldn’t read too much into that, though. Yes, he is still only 21 years old, and he is still developing. Some turnovers will come naturally due to the nature of the position Garland is in as the Cavaliers floor general, and he’s still young.

Garland’s usage percentage is one of the tops in the league over the past 10 games at 28.8 percent, in any case. Of all players who have played in at least eight of the last 10 games, Garland’s usage rate ranks 12th, per NBA.com. For comparison, that ranks higher than players such as James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

But overall, Garland’s performance last night was just the latest example of the leap he is taking in his third season. More performances like that will surely vault Garland into potential consideration for an All-Star bid.

As for last night’s dud, it’s a player that has often ended up in the stud category so far this season.