3 big questions for Cavs as they head deeper into pivotal March stretch

Question No. 3: Can Garland carry this team to the finish line?

What Garland showcased in the victory over the Pacers with his 41 points was nothing short of amazing. Having the supporting cast of players out there too always helps. Those players and best defenders on the squad helped give Garland those opportunities to score and get back in that game.

Reminiscent of times that Cavaliers fans would watch former players like LeBron James and Kyrie Irving play, Garland was able to get his teammates in the game early with a nice array of assists. As the game wore on though and the team fell behind, Garland was masterful at going up against a variety of defensive scheming by the opponent and still was able to score.

Garland’s game and production have jumped significantly this season. He’s averaging 21 points a game and up to 8.2 assists a game. He’s shooting 48% from the field this season. He’s putting up almost two more shots a game on average at 16.6 a game.

He’s only had two games this season where he didn’t score in double figures, and he’s had 44 games where he tallied more than five assists. In the last seven games that Garland has been back since missing time due to back soreness, he’s averaging 29 points a game, and in the last three games, he’s averaging 14 assists.

So Garland has come back with a bang and the Cavs will certainly need that type of production. It’s been one of the reasons the team continues to win. Can he maintain that level of production?

It’ll be a test of wills, but the season is getting closer to the end and the playoffs are on the horizon. I expect Garland to continue to rise to the occasion.