Cleveland Cavaliers: How the Cavs have emerged as a legit Finals contender

The complementary play of Darius Garland and Caris LeVert

The “complementary” term is used lightly because these two fireballs are just as capable as anybody on this roster to fill up the stat sheet, but these two, Garland, in particular, make everybody around them look so good.

Garland spent much of the first chunk of this season out with an injured eye, but since his return on November 3, he is averaging 26 points and nine assists. He has also been an absolute pest on defense giving opposing point guards hell and averaging 2.5 steals per contest.

Coming into the year, there were some concerns about two ball-dominant players in Mitchell and Garland being able to co-exist but so far they have complemented each other perfectly, taking turns running the offense. Neither has been too selfish either, being more than willing to set up their teammates averaging nearly a combined 14 assists per game.

As the season goes along, the two all-stars will more than likely fall into traps of selfish play, but if the first chunk of this season is any indication, they will know what to do come playoff time.

Caris LeVert occasionally got lost in the shuffle in the excitement of this past offseason, but he has shown to be a perfect fit in his first full season as a Cavalier.

LeVert is averaging 14 points, four rebounds, and six assists. Although, his numbers aren’t as flashy as some of his other teammates he has been perfect as an off-ball option and knocking down catch-and-shoot threes at a 45 percent clip.

LeVert has also been phenomenal on the defensive end with a defensive rating of 105.4 this season according to Statmuse.

He is a great third option in the backcourt and can light it up any given night if up you give Garland and Mitchell too much attention as evidenced by his 41-point performance against Boston in October.