For a team’s No. 2 scorer, the shift to No. 1 on the opposition’s defensive scouting report often tells a story in how truly prolific they are as a bucket-getter. In the quite-fitting case of Darius Garland on January 9, 2025, it merely created opportunities for him to be even more shifty. Just a single, creatively-maneuvered bucket shy of overcoming both a double-digit deficit and the absence of his All-Star backcourt partner at once, Garland studies the scene from the Cleveland Cavaliers’ center-court logo with 45 seconds remaining. Encouraged to bring his best with Scottie Barnes’ 6-foot-7 frame outmatching his own, Garland tests the balance of the Toronto Raptors’ star forward with a series of dribbles, culminating with a rhythmic stepback that sets up a cold-blooded triple. It proved to be that kind of night for Garland, who turned an ultra-green light into 40 points (on 14-of-22 shooting), alongside two boards, nine assists, two steals, and four 3-pointers. · Jan 10, 2025