Darius Garland Scores 32 in Game 2 Win As Cavs Even Playoff Series With Knicks

• The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks in Game 2
• The Cavaliers impressed with their defense in the second quarter
• Darius Garland put on a solid first-half performance for Cleveland

The Cleveland Cavaliers evened their Eastern Conference playoff series against the New York Knicks at one game apiece, after recording an impressive 107-90 win on Tuesday night.

The Cavs pulled away in the second quarter of Game 2, outscoring the Knicks 34-17.

Cleveland put the clamps on New York during that period, forcing the Knicks to commit nine turnovers.

The Cavs took full advantage, scoring 19 points off turnovers in the second quarter and 27 in the opening half, per ESPN.

Garland delivers in Game 2

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Darius Garland benefited from the Knicks’ sloppy play, scoring 15 of his 32 points in the second quarter. He had 26 points in the first half, helping Cleveland build a 20-point lead at the break.

Garland made it a point to be more aggressive in Game 2 after his disappointing performance in the series opener.

He didn't record a shot attempt in the fourth quarter of Game 1 and only had one assist in 43 minutes of action in that contest. 

The Cavs didn’t let up in the second half of Game 2, pushing their lead to 29 points at one stage in the fourth quarter.

Garland finished the game with 32 points. Two other Cleveland starters scored in double figures, with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley dropping 17 and 13 points, respectively.

Caris LeVert provided the firepower off the bench, scoring 24 points. He shot 9 of 16 from the field, including 4 of 9 from beyond the arc.

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Flagrant foul angers Randle

Things got heated near the end of the game when Julius Randle was hit hard by Jarrett Allen, who was called for a flagrant foul.

The Knicks star exchanged words with several Cleveland players and Cavs coach, J.B. Bickerstaff after his tussle with Allen.

Randle led the Knicks with 22 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Brunson also contributed, scoring 20 points in the loss.

Knicks take Game 1 

Sports Brief recently reported on the Knicks’ win over the Cavs in Game 1.

Jalen Brunson scored 27 points to lead New York to a slim 101-97 victory.

Josh Hart also delivered in the opener, scoring 17 and grabbing 10 boards.