Darius Garland not only led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Game 2 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday, but he also made history in the process.
Garland exploded for 32 points in their 107-98 blowout of the Knicks. It is worth noting, however, that 26 of those points came in the first half as the Cavs star set the tone for the team in the dominant showing.
Thanks to Garland’s first half outburst, the Cavs led by as much 29 points and never relinquished that advantage on their way to victory.
The 23-year-old’s first half showing also matched a Cavs record that only LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have done over the past two decades and half. Garland is now just the third Cleveland player over the last 25 seasons to score at least 25 points in a playoff half, per NBA on ESPN.
Darius Garland definitely stepped up when it mattered most for Cleveland. When it looked like they were destined to fall to a 0-2 hole against the Knicks, he took over and made sure that doesn’t happen as the series shifts to New York.
The youngster only had 17 points in Game 1, but he more than made up for it with his Tuesday display. For good measure, Garland also had three rebounds and seven dimes as he finished the contest with the highest plus-minus in the game with +29. Even his Cavs teammate Jarrett Allen couldn’t help but be in awe of his performance.
Here’s to hoping that Garland will be able to replicate his Game 2 success come Game 3. After all, they could really use another scoring run for him to silence what is expected to be a loud and rowdy Madison Square Garden.