After the Cavaliers struggled to score in their last two games, Darius Garland wasted no time in Game 5.
Darius Garland catching FIRE... 12 straight PTS for CLE
— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2024
Game 5 of the #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel is live on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/BSEtFFwwsD
Garland scored 17 points in the first quarter, more than he had in any game of the series against the Orlando Magic, powering his team to a 33-23 lead after one quarter. At one point, Garland scored 12 straight Cleveland points.
darius freaking garland.@dariusgarland22 | #LetEmKnow https://t.co/UIHhYJ5etV pic.twitter.com/nCW2KGoj5e
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 1, 2024
The 1n-point lead was sealed by a steal-and-score by Caris Levert, who took advantage of a hurried, errant pass from Mo Wagner to beat the buzzer.
This Caris LeVert triple to close the 1st quarter
— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2024
Cavs lead by 10 at the end of 1 on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/sbE1b29MuO
With Jarrett Allen out with a rib contusion, Cleveland started a small lineup. Isaac Okoro replaced Allen, with Evan Mobley shifting over from center. It might be the change needed to kick-start the moribund Cavaliers offense. Or, maybe they just needed to give the ball to Garland more.
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