Darius Garland led the Cleveland Cavaliers (42-24) to a decisive 116-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans (39-26) on Wednesday night.
Garland finished the game with 27 points and 11 assists. Joining Garland in the scoring barrage, Jarrett Allen notched 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Georges Niang added 16 points. Donovan Mitchell returned from injury to contribute 14 points.
Despite a strong effort from the Pelicans’ Zion Williamson, who tallied 33 points and nine rebounds, and Brandon Ingram, who added 20 points, New Orleans struggled to contain Cleveland’s perimeter shooting.
Both teams are strong playoff contenders as the Cavaliers have climbed to the second spot in the Eastern Conference, and the Pelicans are fifth in the West.
