Over the past year, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland has experienced a dramatic transformation. Last season, Garland was sidelined by a broken jaw, which rendered him speechless and diminished his performance; he recorded his worst scoring average and field goal percentage since his rookie year, contributing to the team’s decline from 51 wins to 48. In the playoffs, the Cavaliers were eliminated in five games by the Boston Celtics, causing doubts about Garland’s ability to regain his All-Star form and coexist with backcourt partner Donovan Mitchell.
However, the 2023-24 season marked a turning point for both Garland and the Cavaliers. He earned a second All-Star selection in February and the duo thrived together, leading Cleveland to its second-highest win total in franchise history and securing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Garland reflected on this growth, proud of his commitment to the team’s evolution.
Amidst challenges, including playoff exits and speculation about his fit with Mitchell, Garland chose to strengthen their partnership. He engaged in discussions with Mitchell on optimizing their offensive roles and studied hours of film, including that of Golden State’s Stephen Curry, to improve his off-ball movement. Under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, the Cavaliers adopted a more efficient style, resulting in Garland’s career-high shooting percentages.
Despite a toe injury sidelining him during critical playoff moments, Garland demonstrated resilience. He emphasized the significance of fundamental play, such as avoiding turnovers and seizing rebounding opportunities, in their postseason strategy. With a renewed focus and the potential to make a substantial impact, Garland aims to silence critics and elevate the team’s playoff success.
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