Garland 'In All-Star Tier'

Coach says guard carried Cleveland as they down Toronto for 12th straight win

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Darius Garland was singled out for praise by Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson on Jan 9, and he rightfully deserved all the plaudits going his way.

The point guard erupted for 40 points, as the Cavaliers came from behind to extend their unbeaten National Basketball Association (NBA) streak to 12 games with a 132-126 home win over the Toronto Raptors.

A day after their bruising win over the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland looked poised to suffer an upset after the Raptors opened up a 12-point lead late in the third quarter.

But a late burst of scoring from Garland hauled the team back into the contest and a lopsided 34-23 fourth quarter sealed a battling victory for the Eastern Conference leaders.

Garland finished with 40 points from 14-of-22 shooting – 14 points coming in a fourth-quarter flurry that swung the game decisively to the Cavs.

Atkinson was left in no doubt as to the size of Garland's contribution in a win which leaves the Cavs leading the standings with a 33-4 record, six games clear of reigning champions the Boston Celtics.