1 stud, 1 dud from disaster-averting win over Magic

1 stud from Magic win: Darius Garland

For much of the season, Darius Garland has been this team’s best offensive player, but over the past few weeks, he has been downright carrying this team. That was no different Monday night, as Garland once again led the team with 25 points and 12 assists, his 26th double-double of the season after logging just seven total in his first two seasons.

Garland struggled a bit from inside the arc, hitting just 2-of-7 from 2-point range, but otherwise his offensive impact was sublime. He hit five of his 10 3-point attempts, was a perfect six-for-six from the stripe, and finished tied for the game-high at +15. He even pitched in three steals.

One such steal sparked the key stretch of the game. With the Cavs floundering and the Magic up 92-90 with less than five minutes to go, Garland took over. He stole the ball on the sideline and started a fast-break that led to a Lauri Markkanen 3-pointer in transition. From there he took over, hitting a tough baseline jumper fading away from the basket, then a nasty stepback 3-pointer, and finally tossed an alley oop to Lauri Markkanen for his 12th assist of the night.

Once again Garland put this team on his back when they needed him, and he led this ailing roster to a much-needed victory.

Runner-up for stud of the game goes to Dylan Windler, who has made it back to the game-day roster after spending time in the G League. He had his best game so far since returning with five points and nine rebounds in 16 minutes of play, taking LeVert’s spot in the closing lineup and tying Garland with a team-best +15 plus/minus. Windler made winning plays Monday night, rewarding head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s faith in him.