The Cleveland Cavaliers take a tough loss from the Chicago Bulls tonight, 106-96. The Cavs’ bench was simply no match for the Bulls’ bench, who outscored the Cavs’ bench 45-15.
Let’s dive in with tonight’s takeaways:
Game ball: Darius Garland (AKA Darius the Great, h/t to CtB’s own, Nate Smith)
Garland put on a masterful performance in a meaningful game, with 22 points (9-21 shooting, 4-8 from three), 12 assists, tying a career high, and only two turnovers. Without any other legitimate perimeter playmaking option tonight, Garland carried the Cavs with 40 minutes of gritty play, and a team high +4 plus/minus.