The Cleveland Cavaliers are finally back in the win column.
They snapped a season-worst four-game losing streak, and it seemed like they had chosen the worst time to take a dive.
They bounced back in a big way with a statement win over the Utah Jazz.
While the Jazz have been bottom-feeders for most of the season, it was still nice to see Kenny Atkinson’s team get back to their winning ways.
When asked about that, Cavs star Darius Garland claimed that it was all a part of the process, adding that the team knew they needed to be extremely focused to get back on track:
“It happens,” Garland said. “Everybody loses games. We know how locked in we have to be to win important games and just tried getting back to that. We knew we were going to hit a wall one day. That’s just how the world works.”
Garland didn’t have a good night vs. the Jazz.
He finished the game with 12 points on 13 shots, but he added seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block, and a couple of three-pointers.
The Cavs will need him to step up in the playoffs.
Donovan Mitchell can score in bunches, but his efficiency takes a big hit when he’s forced to play hero-ball.
Garland has proven that he can be an efficient three-level scorer, and he’s got the best court vision on the team.
He’s got a reputation for not showing up when it matters most, but he’s been one of the best scorers in the clutch this season.
The Cavs still need to prove themselves in a seven-game series, and how he plays in the playoffs this year might make or break the narrative around him for the remainder of his career.
NEXT: Patrick Beverley Says Nobody Is Afraid Of The Cavs
