1 stud and 1 dud in Cavs’ latest loss to the 76ers on Friday

Cavs stud: Darius Garland

The biggest stud in the game for the Cavs was Darius Garland, who again put-up All-Star numbers. He finished with 26 points and had a career-best 19 assists and kept the team in the lead for most of the game. The assists he was making were outstanding all night long.

Now, he did pick up a technical foul for arguing a non-call on fellow teammate Isaac Okoro as he was driving to the basket and he did have five turnovers, but all in all, it was another game where you realize how valuable he is to this team’s chances at moving into the postseason.

The back issues he’s been dealing are still very worrisome and the fact that his coach played him 43 minutes in the loss speaks to this real problem for the team. The Cavaliers are struggling to find consistent replacements for Garland or to play alongside him in the guard role, and that’s troubling.

Brandon Goodwin only got four minutes of playing time in this game, and Rajon Rondo and Caris LeVert are still both out with injuries. Without those players, the team is going to have a problem. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery; fortunately, it seems both should be back soon, but we’ll see.

In the meantime, Garland’s time on the court is precious and he’s definitely become a star in the league this season. His efforts, like in this game, are a big part of this reversal of a season for the Wine and Gold. He’s worth the price of admission, Cavs fans. Enjoy the show he puts on because you’re watching a real talented and growing superstar.