Darius Garland Sends Cavs to 2-0 Start with Game 2 Win Over Magic
Garland Leads Cavs with 15 Points in Balanced Attack
Darius Garland led a balanced attack with 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting on Saturday night, as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic 107-96 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Garland, who had four assists, three rebounds, and a steal, hit 4-of-7 three-pointers and 1-of-2 free throws.
The win gives Cleveland a 2-0 lead in the series, as they aim to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2018. Game 3 is scheduled for Monday night in Orlando.
Other key contributors for the Cavs included Donovan Mitchell, who finished with 18 points, and Jarrett Allen, who had 14 points and 11 rebounds. The Magic were led by Paolo Banchero, who scored 22 points and hit 9-of-21 shots.
With the win, Garland continued to showcase his growth as a leader and scorer for the Cavs. The 22-year-old guard is averaging 19.5 points, 8.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in the playoffs, and his strong play has been a major factor in Cleveland's success.
The Magic, meanwhile, will look to regroup in Game 3 and find a way to slow down Garland and the Cavs' offense. They will also need to improve their three-point shooting, as they hit just 29% from distance on Saturday night.
Overall, the Cavs have emerged as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference, and Garland has been at the forefront of their success. With a 2-0 lead, Cleveland is in a strong position to take control of the series and advance to the next round.
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