NBA Recap: Cavaliers Extend Unbeaten Streak to 12 Games Behind Garland's Heroics

Darius Garland scored 40 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to their 12th consecutive victory, overcoming the Toronto Raptors 132-126.

Darius Garland delivered a standout performance, scoring 40 points to propel the Cleveland Cavaliers to their 12th consecutive victory. The Cavaliers overcame the Toronto Raptors 132-126, with Garland's impressive display proving decisive.

The Cavaliers faced a significant challenge, trailing by 12 points late in the third quarter. However, Garland's timely intervention sparked a remarkable comeback. His scoring surge in the fourth quarter helped the Cavaliers outscore the Raptors 34-23, securing a hard-fought win.

Darius Garland drops a 40-piece in Cleveland's 12th-straight W ‼️

40 PTS
14-22 FGM
9 AST
4 3PM
2 STL

The @cavs are only the 7th team in NBA history to start the season 33-4 or better 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/FFcrh6M7MC

— NBA (@NBA) January 10, 2025

Garland's impressive statistics included 14-of-22 shooting, with 14 of his points coming in the pivotal fourth quarter. His performance enabled the Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers to maintain their unbeaten streak, just a day after their intense victory over the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder.

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson was effusive in his praise for Darius Garland's outstanding performance, which propelled the team to a 132-126 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Atkinson acknowledged that Garland was the driving force behind the win, stating, “He carried us. This is the first game all year where I felt like one guy carried us.” The Cavaliers' coach further emphasized Garland's impact, saying, “We weren't good, but he single-handedly took over this game.”

Atkinson's admiration for Garland's performance extended to his opinion on the player's All-Star prospects. The Cavaliers' coach firmly believes that Garland deserves a spot in next month's All-Star game, stating, “I respect the league, but he's got to be in that top, All-Star tier. He's phenomenal. He completely took over the game and carried us.” With this win, the Cavaliers maintain their lead in the standings with a 33-4 record, six games clear of the reigning champion Boston Celtics.

In the absence of Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers relied on Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen to provide scoring support to Garland. Mobley contributed 21 points, while Allen delivered an impressive all-around performance, scoring 18 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and adding two blocks and a steal.

NBA Roundup: Mavericks, Warriors Secure Thrilling Wins

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 117-111 on Thursday. Despite missing injured stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavs trailed by 10 points with just over four minutes remaining. However, a thrilling 16-0 run in the fourth quarter turned the game around, securing an unlikely win for Dallas. P.J. Washington led the scoring with 23 points, while Dereck Lively added 21 points to close out the victory.

In other NBA games on Thursday, the Minnesota Timberwolves cruised to a 104-89 victory over the Orlando Magic, thanks to Julius Randle's 23 points and Anthony Edwards' 21 points. The Golden State Warriors also secured a hard-fought 107-104 win over the Detroit Pistons, with Buddy Hield leading the scorers with 19 points and Stephen Curry finishing with 17 points despite an uncharacteristically poor shooting performance.

The Los Angeles Lakers' home game against the Charlotte Hornets was postponed due to the devastating wildfires raging in the city. The fires have left thousands affected, including Lakers head coach J.J. Redick, who lost his Pacific Palisades home to the inferno.