Garland scores 27 in return, leads Cavs past Spurs, 105-92

CLEVELAND — Darius Garland scored 27 points in his return from a back injury and Caris LeVert added 11 in his debut for Cleveland, leading the Cavaliers to a 105-92 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night in their last home game before hosting the All-Star Game.

Garland, who missed the past four games with a sore lower back, showed why he was selected as an All-Star for the first time. He made 12 of 15 shots, added six assists, five rebounds and got Cleveland’s offense back on track.

Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell scored 18 apiece and AllStar Dejounte Murray had 16 for the Spurs, who opened an eight-game road trip.

San Antonio trimmed a 23-point deficit to seven in the fourth quarter before Garland hit a jumper and LeVert fed Jarrett Allen for a layup to put the Cavs back in control.

Rookie Evan Mobley had 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Allen added 15 points and 14 boards.

Believing they can make a deep playoff run, the Cavs acquired LeVert on Sunday from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for guard Ricky Rubio and draft picks.

LeVert received a loud ovation from the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse crowd when he checked in with 6:37 left in the first quarter, and quickly made his presence felt by driving and delivering a pass to the corner for Isaac Okoro’s 3-pointer.

The 27-year LeVert is a proven scorer capable of creating his own shot. He gives Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff another offensive weapon, a lengthy defender and some potential new lineups.

Trailing 34-33, the Cavs jumped on the Spurs with a 20-4 run in the second quarter.

Rajon Rondo started the spurt with a 3-pointer and LeVert, Cedi Osman and Garland hit long-range shots to give Cleveland a 13-point lead.