The shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers needed all hands on deck in order to just barely come away with a three-point win.
Cleveland was faced with the reality of playing without one of their best players in Darius Garland as he was held out with back soreness. This led to an unconventional staring lineup featuring Cedi Osman, Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. It was tough sledding going for both sides early as New Orleans held a 19-17 lead after the 1st quarter. The 2nd quarter was not much better as the Cavaliers trailed 39-38 at the half. It was the second half which provided a lot more intrigue.
Both offenses apparently remembered how to score as they combined for 106 points in the final two quarters. The 3rd quarter was just a slight improvement for the Cavaliers, scoring just one more point in the 3rd than the 2nd (22-21). It was the 4th quarter which the lid finally came off for the Cavs as they poured in 33 points in the quarter and managed to come all the way back to take the lead thanks to some clutch free throws from Isaac Okoro and Lamar Stevens. The three free throws made by this duo was ultimately the difference in the contest as the Cavaliers went on to win 93-90.
Propelling the Cavs to victory was the unexpected performance of Brandon Goodwin. Not appearing the 1st quarter, Goodwin would go on to score 21 points on 8-11 from the field with 12 coming in the 4th quarter. It is highly unlikely that the Cavaliers would be able to come back and win this game without the efforts of Goodwin. It is these types of performances which separate the wheat from the chaff in professional sports, Goodwin’s night is the type of outing which separates playoff teams from the afterthoughts.
