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Another victory for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Utah Jazz who are going through their worst moment of the season. JB Bickerstaff’s team prevailed with relative ease (111-91) and remains in the top positions of the Eastern Conference. With this victory, the Cavs maintain an amazing positive record of 3-1 in the trip of games they are having in the West.
The protagonist of the night was Darius Garland, who already in the third quarter had achieved the first triple-double of his career. The Cavaliers point guard is in great shape and is one of those directly responsible for the team’s good play. Another of the highlights was Lamar Stevens, who achieved the best scoring mark of his career with 23 points.
In the absence of Gobert, the Cavs’ interior pair, Lauri Markkanen and Evan Mobley, dominated the paint.Bickerstaff, who is being one of the most outstanding coaches of the year, found a way to punish his rival’s weaknesses. Markkanen finished with 20 points and a remarkable 4-of-5 shooting from 3-point range. Meanwhile, Mobley signed a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. The rookieIn addition, he rounded off his great game with 7 assists.
In the Jazz the sensations were totally opposite. Only Jordan Clarkson was at his usual level and managed to contribute 22 points coming off the bench. The team continues to miss Rudy Gobert and his defensive performance has dropped considerably with the absence of the French center. This loss is the fourth in a row for the Jazz, who see the Grizzlies overtake them in the standings and move away from the top positions in the Western Conference.
In Rondo’s footsteps
Although he has already made his debut, Rajon Rondo did not play a minute in the victory against the Jazz. However, the team already appreciates his influence. Last week Darius Garland was full of praise when asked about the addition of the veteran point guard. “Rondo is really good. He is a great veteran and a leader on the track. It’s fun to play with him,” said the Cavs star.
One of the reasons the Cavaliers decided to sign Rondo after Ricky Rubio’s injury is the mentor role he can play with Garland. The former Celtics and Lakers player, among other teams, knows from his own experience what it means to be a young point guard with the ease to approach triple-doubles. Although he has long since abandoned his best version, if he manages to transfer all his knowledge to Garland, it will make him a better player in the future.
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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