In the just-concluded Eastern Conference semifinals, the Cavaliers lost 102-109 at home to the Celtics, falling behind 1-3 in the series, and were only one step away from being out.
The Celtics are strong, but the Cavaliers have given fans a lot of expectations in G2, as they snatched a win on the road and returned to Cleveland with a 1-1 score, and if they can win at least one more game on their home court, then the suspense of this series will increase, and the Cavaliers have the possibility of creating a miracle on the following grams.
However, after the G3 game, the Cavaliers not only lost, but also suffered injuries. The star Mitchell suffered a calf strain and missed the crucial game in G4 that would determine the trend of the series. In the end, the miracle did not happen, and the knight had come to the edge of the cliff.
In this game, Lakers star James brought his wife to the scene to watch the game and cheer for his old club. The moment he entered the court, the Cavaliers fans stood up and applauded, and it was not difficult to see that despite James' departure twice, the Cavaliers fans are still grateful to the former Cleveland king. Sadly, James was not able to witness his former club win the game here.
Mitchell's absence almost made the outcome of the game uncertain, but the Cavaliers played tenaciously enough not to let the game be one-sided. And unlike the two losses of G1 and G3, a total of 4 players scored double-doubles in this game, and Garland scored 30 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists, sweeping away the slump in the past few games and playing the best battle of this round of the series. Mobley Jr. contributed 19 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists, Strus 15 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, and LeVert 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
These guys played well, played with energy, and also showed the outside world a team that had a better team offense than the last game. Looking back at the Cavaliers' G2 win, it was also when Mitchell played as well as ever, and other teammates were able to step up. Therefore, if the Cavaliers want to win, they can't just rely on Mitchell, they also need other teammates to step up, especially Garland.
But judging from this round of the series, it seems that Mitchell and Garland will be difficult to match and reach a situation where 1+1 is greater than or equal to 2. Because both are guards who need to carry the ball, Mitchell is the shooting guard and Garland is the offensive point guard, and it will be difficult for them to play without the ball, no matter who it is. So, when most of the ball is in Mitchell's hands, Garland has fewer chances and naturally doesn't perform well.
On the other hand, when Garland became the team's number one star, he finally handed over a report card that matched the expectations of the outside world. From a certain point of view, it has also been confirmed that he and Mitchell, the backcourt two-gun combination, still need to continue to run in and optimize. But with the current situation of the Cavaliers and the situation of Mitchell's contract, I am afraid that there is not much opportunity left for them to run in.
If the series is ultimately eliminated, perhaps the Cavaliers should really consider breaking up the backcourt duo of Mitchell and Garland this summer.