Cavs defeat Pistons 118-115

Garland saved the day.

Darius Garland donned his superhero cape in Donovan Mitchell’s absence — burying the game-winning jumper from deep against the Detroit Pistons. Garland’s buzzer-beater came after the Cleveland Cavaliers nearly squandered a victory late in the game.

Garland has been one of the league’s most clutch players all season but has yet to have a moment like this. This full-court charge into a logo three-pointer is arguably the biggest shot of his young career.

The Cavs have always had to rely on Garland in games when Mitchell isn’t available. This season, Mobley has been entrusted to carry a heavier offensive load to great results. He recorded his third 30+ point game of the season, already more than he’s had in any other season of his career. His aggressive approach to being the center in second units was the difference as Mobley manhandled an undersized Detroit frontcourt.

To top it all off, Mobley recorded 4 huge blocks as a reminder that he is still one of the most dominant defensive forces in the game — while steadily growing as an offensive threat.

Craig Porter Jr. received his first opportunity at real minutes in quite some time. He responded with 16 points on 3-4 shooting from the three-point line. Porter hasn’t been nearly as impactful as he was during the first half of his rookie season but his stepping up like this is another sign of Cleveland’s immense depth.

This was a quality win on the second night of a back-to-back for Cleveland. They would have rather beat the Celtics yesterday but this is a nice consolation prize.