There are some teams who underwent big changes in the summer and aren’t performing well as a definitive unit, like the Minnesota Timberwolves.
But then there are other teams that had huge new additions and are playing like gangbusters, such as the Cleveland Cavaliers.
There was some concern about the Cavs when they acquired Donovan Mitchell in the offseason.
Would he fit in or would he complicate the good thing the team had going?
Donovan Mitchell is the first Cav since LeBron to put up 25 PPG in a season.
Darius Garland is the first Cav since LeBron to put up 22p/7a in a season.
Best backcourt in the league? pic.twitter.com/ybDiyBhFcL
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 7, 2022
Well, we definitely know an answer to that question: Mitchell has fit with the Cavs like a hand in a glove.
This was clear to see on Tuesday, as the team defeated LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers.
The entire team played well as Cleveland’s backcourt duo of Mitchell and Darius Garland again thrilled the crowd.
Mitchell is now the first Cavalier since James to put up 25 points per game in a season while Garland is the first Cleveland player since James to put up 22 points and 7 assists in a season.
These two men are like peanut butter and jelly: great apart but truly special when they are put together.
Mitchell, Garland & The Cavs
Any team would be lucky to have either Mitchell or Garland running their backcourt.
We know that is true because we saw what each player did for their respective teams without one another.
But now that they have joined forces, Mitchell and Garland are powering the team toward the top of the Eastern Conference.
On Tuesday night, Mitchell put on a clinic and secured a season-high 43 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Meanwhile, Garland was impressive with a double-double: 21 points and 11 assists.
With these two in the driver’s seat, the Cavs are speeding right to the postseason.
