The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the Philadelphia 76ers despite Darius Garland being ruled out for the game in the late third quarter on Wednesday evening.
Donovan Mitchell dropped 35 points and nine assists, while Garland scored 20 before hurting his right foot diving for a loose ball.
Cavs floor general already had surgery in June on the injured left big toe that hampered him during the team’s exit from the playoffs.
De’Andre Hunter and Evan Mobley both contributed 17, and Mobley grabbed 13 boards.
On the other hand, Joel Embiid scored 20 points and hit a three-pointer that helped him reach 13,000 career points, becoming the seventh player in team history to hit that mark.
Paul George had 17 points, while Tyrese Maxey and Quintin Grimes hit a pair of three-pointers during a 10-0 run to make 75-53 to 79–66 in the third quarter.
The spark did not last that long as fans headed for the exits after the Cavs stretched the lead to 22 midway through the fourth.
Meanwhile, Sixers forward Dom Barlow suffered a back contusion after landing hard on his back and head on a driving layup attempt.
Both teams will play again on Friday.
