Garland is a big reason why the Cavs are 9-0.
2024 was a nightmare season for Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland. He missed almost two months due to a broken jaw and he lost over ten pounds. He was eating his meals through a straw and he had to do that in Paris, which arguably has the best food in the world, so just imagine that.
Garland went on to finish with arguably his worst season statistically since his rookie season, where most metrics had him amongst the worst players in the league. In the playoffs, the Cavs had a -18.6 net rating when he was on the court without his backcourt mate Donovan Mitchell. Garland also had the fifth-worst net rating on the team in the playoffs at -9.2, ahead of Georges Niang, Marcus Morris, Tristan Thompson, and a hobbled Dean Wade at the time.
After an offseason of trade rumors that he had to shut down, Cleveland hiring Kenny Atkinson, and a full three months to get his confidence and weight back, Garland is back to his All-Star form.
Garland is averaging about 20 points per game and seven assists on .523/.463/1.000 shooting splits. He has two games of 34+ points already. He had four such showings all of last season. This includes the 39-point outburst against Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, where Garland exchanged haymakers with the All-Star guard down the stretch.
A huge reason for the jump in efficiency for Garland though has been his off-ball movement. For years, the Cavs have said that they like his off-ball potential, but Atkinson has unlocked it in his offense. Garland is shooting 46.6% on corner threes this season and 48.5% on catch-and-shoot looks.
With the ball in his hands, he has taken care of the ball, something that was an issue at times last season. Garland this year has been assertive with his drives to the basket and getting to his patented floater.
Garland-led lineups this year have also been very positive for Cleveland, as the team has a +13.9 net rating when Garland is on the court without Mitchell, a stark contrast from last year where non-Mitchell minutes were a nightmare.
Even in games where he’s had off nights, like against the Lakers and Bucks last week, he still found ways to be effective. His off-ball movement opened up the floor for Mitchell and Mobley to take over. His playmaking was efficient as well, as he had 20 assists in those two games and only two turnovers.
People can rip up their obituaries and say goodbye to the demise of Darius Garland. One of the main reasons Cleveland is 9-0 and off to its best start in franchise history is because of his return to All-Star form. If he keeps playing like this, the Cavs have a chance to win a title.
