Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson gives a major injury update on Darius Garland.
For fans who believed Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland was avoiding tough situations, that’s far from the case.
Garland, who struggled against the Boston Celtics, was ruled out for the game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a groin injury. However, according to Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson, Garland’s absence is precautionary.
“He took a bad fall last night,” Atkinson explained. “[Keeping him out tonight was a] collaborative decision. We all got together, including Darius. So, he’ll sit this one out.”
The Cavs have had a tough schedule to start the NBA season, playing their first 17 games in less than 30 days. The following 17 days will stretch over 43 days, and the team has at times appeared fatigued during their impressive 15-1 start. With seven players already out for the Pelicans game, it’s crucial for Atkinson and his staff to find opportunities to rest key players like Garland.
“He’s run the tenth-most miles in the league,” said Atkinson. “We’ve pushed him hard, and it’s been great.”
Garland has been outstanding to start the season, averaging 20.6 points on 49.2% shooting—his most efficient performance ever—along with 7.0 assists and 1.2 steals in 30.3 minutes per game across 16 contests. The Cavs have relied heavily on Garland, and he has consistently delivered. Giving him a rest before the team’s three-day break is a smart move.
“We’re all tired because we’re all doing this job,” Atkinson said. “I just don’t know how they do it—seventeen games in 29 days. The league is playing faster… It speaks to the athletes we have.”
Though Atkinson did not provide additional details about Garland’s injury, the hope is that the star guard will be ready for the next game against the Toronto Raptors.
Darius Garland has been spectacular for the Cavs to start the season
Without Darius Garland, the Cleveland Cavaliers wouldn’t be sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 15-1 record through their first 16 games. Though he’s already been named an All-Star once in his career, this strong start to the season marks a remarkable resurgence for Garland.
Last year, Garland faced a significant setback with a fractured jaw, an injury that sidelined him for over six weeks. During that time, he was only able to eat through a straw, which led to him losing 12 pounds.
