Cavaliers keep it close, lose to Jazz

The Cleveland Cavaliers were able to be competitive and even had a chance to win, but ultimately lost to Utah 109-108.

With 17.9 seconds to play the Cleveland Cavaliers had possession and had the opportunity to set up a game-winning shot. Darius Garland missed a three-pointer with just 2.9 left on the clock and an attempted tip from Evan Mobley also did not go in. While the Cavaliers did not win the game, being competitive against a team like the Utah Jazz is impressive. Cleveland was able to battle with Utah for the entire contest, even closing a 15-point deficit in the 4th to give them a chance to win.

Even though his game-winner did not go in, Garland had another outstanding performance. Garland finished with 31 points on an 11-19 shooting night, making five three-pointers and four free throws. In addition the scoring production, Garland also had five assists, four steals, and one block.

Like their last game, Jarrett Allen was impressive yet again. Allen collected his seventh straight double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The combination of Garland and Allen have proven to be a formidable duo that teams must account for when getting ready to play the Cavs.

Cleveland has shown that they are not an easy win on the schedule for their opponents. Wins may be hard to come by as the season progresses, but right now they are the best team in town and that is something that fans of the other teams need to lean on.

With the loss the Cavaliers are 13-11 and currently sit in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland will look to rebound Monday night when they travel to Milwaukee to take on the 15-9 Bucks.