"The Cleveland Cavaliers point guard made his season debut against the Philadelphia 76ers and was back on the floor directing the offense. Garland was in the starting lineup and had eight points and four assists in 26 minutes as the Cavaliers posted a 132-121 victory. "Seeing the ball go through the hoop, passing the ball to 45 (Donovan Mitchell), Ev (Evan Mobley) and JA (Jarrett Allen) for sure," Garland said about what he missed while recovering from offseason surgery on his left big toe. "It was great to be back with the teammates. Being around them makes me happy.""
""You have a guy that can initiate, get the easy shots and make everyone's job easier," said Mitchell, who had a season-high 46 points. "When you have a guy whose an All-Star, you have to pay attention where he's at. When you know you have a guy out there that can create, it puts everyone at ease." The Cavaliers had their early-season struggles without Garland in the lineup. They came into Wednesday's game with an offensive rating of 111.3, fifth-lowest in the league, after leading the NBA last season at 121.0."
Darius Garland returned from offseason surgery on his left big toe and made his season debut, starting and playing 26 minutes while recording eight points and four assists. Garland missed the first seven games after turf toe surgery that also cost him playoff time. The Cavaliers overcame early-season offensive struggles, improving from a 111.3 offensive rating without him, and scored a season-high 132 points in a 132-121 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Donovan Mitchell led with a season-high 46 points. Coach Kenny Atkinson called the offense "clunky" without Garland as players adjusted to new roles. Cleveland opened the game with a 30-13 run and shot 15-of-29.
Read at ESPN.com
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