Overview
- About 45 minutes before tip-off, the Cavs cleared Darius Garland after a late questionable tag for a quad contusion, and he finished with 10 points and 8 assists.
- Garland’s appearance marked his first time this season playing both nights of a back-to-back following offseason surgery on his left great toe.
- Cleveland overwhelmed New Orleans with efficiency and depth, hitting 20 threes, winning points in the paint 70-54, and getting 27 from Donovan Mitchell as eight other Cavs reached double figures.
- Sam Merrill moved into the starting lineup and added 22 points on six triples, complementing a second straight high-output night for an offense that hit 24-of-44 threes vs. Charlotte the day before.
- The Cavs remained without Evan Mobley (left calf), Max Strus (left foot surgery) and Larry Nance Jr. (right calf) and now turn to a Christmas Day matchup at the Knicks.