One stud and one dud in Cavs’ 109-108 win over the Kings

Cavs dud: Darius Garland

I think Darius Garland should and will be an All-Star, but these last two games have been rough for him. Granted, Garland was dealing with a sore back that is reportedly bothering him, per Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and via Evan Dammarell of Fear the Sword and Right Down Euclid, but Garland had a few rough turnovers down the stretch, in particular. Some of it may have been with this game being the second leg of a back-to-back, too.

Regardless, most of the game it was one of and probably the roughest game Garland has had through 3 quarters. For the game, Garland was able to get a double-double still, as he had 12 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds and a steal, but shot only 5-of-13 overall and 1-of-6 from 3-point range.

In fairness, Garland was able to find some rhythm in the closing stanza.

He was way more aggressive when it was needed, even with the sore back, and he scored 7 points in that closing frame. And he still did make some big passes, setting up several teammates and took control of the game enough to allow the Cavs to regain control to hold on.

Still, this was one where he was really off for most of it, objectively. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to rest him for a game or two if needed. Up next, the Cavaliers travel to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz.