The Cleveland Cavaliers have come down to Earth a bit after starting the season 8-1, as they’ve lost back-to-back games to the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings, two squads that aren’t exactly world-beaters right now.
They have given up 119 and 127 points, respectively, in both contests, which has put a dent in what has been a seemingly impenetrable defense.
But overall, the outlook is very bright for the Cavs, and the biggest reason is their super-talented backcourt.
Darius Garland was already a rising star who made his first All-Star team last season, and this year he has been joined by three-time All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell is averaging 31.9 points a game so far this year, which is third in the NBA, while shooting 51.4 percent overall and 44.8 percent from 3-point range.
Although Garland is struggling at just 16.4 points a game on 37.5 percent shooting, it should be remembered that he is coming off an eye injury, and he is putting up 8.4 assists per game.
It has led more and more people to call Mitchell and Garland the best backcourt in the league.
Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland were responsible for 94 of Cleveland's 114 points last night, including 30 of 31 points in the 4th/OT
Worth every penny, some would say pic.twitter.com/PJLtCsjyqJ
— Tony Pesta (@Tony_Pesta) November 3, 2022
Their Competitors Are Struggling
For years, the Golden State Warriors guard tandem of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have been the best backcourt in the league and one of the best ever.
However, the Warriors are inexplicably struggling with a 4-7 record, and although Curry is playing outstanding ball, Thompson is shooting just 36.0 percent from the field.
On the Atlanta Hawks, Trae Young and new running mate Dejounte Murray were hoping to become the best guard tandem, but Young is shooting under 38 percent to start the year.
All things considered, Garland and Mitchell are absolutely the best backcourt in the game right now.
The only question is whether that will still be true come springtime.
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