CLEVELAND — Kevin Love and Darius Garland scored 22 points apiece, and the Cleveland Cavaliers tied their franchise record with 46 points in the third quarter of a 144-99 rout over the COVID-19 depleted Toronto Raptors.
Lauri Markkanen added 20 points and Garland had eight assists for Cleveland, which led by 47 twice in the fourth. The Cavs (20-13) won their fifth in a row at home and made 22 3-pointers in a team-record 52 attempts.
Yuta Watanabe posted career highs of 26 points and 13 rebounds, and Chris Boucher scored 21 points for Toronto (14-16), which has 10 players in the NBA's health and safety protocols. Those sidelined included top three leading scorers Fred VanFleet, OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam.
Not to be outdone, Cleveland also has several players still out due to COVID concerns, including big men Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. However, Denzel Valentine (who was briefly in the protocols) was able to help pick up the clask with a season-high 17 off the bench, including five 3s.
Winners of seven of their last eight, the Cavaliers will have a day off Monday before traveling to New Orleans to face the Pelicans Tuesday night.
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