Cleveland — — Darius Garland I missed everything while sitting on the bench, but mostly the joy of playing and winning.
He’s back, and it seemed like he never left.
Garland scored 29 points in his comeback after missing five games with an ugly eye injury. Donovan Mitchell add 25, cleveland cavaliers beat the boston celtics They went 114-113 in extra time on Wednesday night to make it six in a row.
Garland added 12 assists, including an alley-oop to Mitchell in OT, to give the Cavaliers a 112-109 lead and their second victory over the Celtics in less than a week.
Garland then lamented not having sunglasses as he squinted from the arena’s television studio lights.
His time away from the Cavaliers has been tougher than he could have imagined.
“We were winning and I was happy about it, but I wanted to be on the floor with them and feel that energy,” he said. “I’m happy to be back now.”
Jason TatumA basket with 1:04 left pulled Boston inside the point, and thanks to Cleveland’s poor possession, the Celtics had a chance to win at the buzzer ahead. Jalen Brown18 footer off the back of the rim.
“We were able to get the ball to play, but it wasn’t enough,” Brown said. “Two seconds is enough to get a good shot. I got a good shot. A successful shot.”
Brown had 30 points and Tatum had 26 points and 12 rebounds as the Celtics sought revenge for last week’s home loss to OT. However, Cleveland has overcome his 15-point deficit and has two wins over his conference defending Eastern champions.
“They are hungry and want to make a fuss,” Brown said.
Tatum forced this extra time with two sensational plays in the final 6.7 seconds.
First, he drove down the lane for a mighty dunk — and could have been fouled Jarrett Allen — tie it with 107-all. Then, on Cleveland’s final trip in regulation, he blocked Mitchell’s step-back 3-pointer as the horn blew.
Garland has been out since the season opener on Oct. 19 after being accidentally smashed in the eye by a Toronto player. Gary Trent Junior A severe cut under the eyelid and excessive swelling kept Garland out.
But Garland is back to doing what he does best, leading the Cavs to another signature win this young season. Before the game, he was encouraged by Mitchell to hit his first six shots.
“He really set the tone,” Mitchell said.
Allen added 14 points and 14 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who have had some offensive problems while hailing Garland’s return.
Garland showed no rust spots early on, making his first three 3-pointers and scoring 14 points in the first quarter. He added his three assists, two steals and moved around the floor in his usual fluid motion.
Three Verand
In recent years, the Cavaliers have fallen behind when it comes to 3-pointers, so to speak.
But Cleveland is averaging 34.3 shots, and coach JB Bickerstaff said there is no limit to how many shots the team can take.
“Any open shot the team is willing to give us,” he said. “We will take them.”
They attempted a franchise-record 50 against New York on Sunday, making 23, the second-most in club history.
tip in
Celtics: Brown and Tatum each scored 20 or more points in six games. …. C Robert Williams (left knee surgery) is out of action every game but could return by the end of December.
Cavaliers: Improved to 3-0 in overtime. … Kevin Love Missed 3 of all 5 after making 8 on Sunday. He landed a rare dunk and then posed as his teammates celebrated on the bench. “He barely got over the rim,” joked Garland. But I will give it to him. “
next
Celtics: Host Chicago on Friday night.
Cavaliers: Travel to Detroit on Friday to kick off a five-game trip.
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