Cavs HC Sends Encouraging Message to Darius Garland About Injury Recovery

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated May 5, 2025 7:54 PM ET

Ever since they began the season with a 15-0 record the Cleveland Cavaliers have had sky-high expectations.

They nearly set a franchise record for wins with 64 and the fanbase was excitedly anxious for the playoffs to begin so they could validate their dominant regular season.

They were well on their way after sweeping the Miami Heat in the first round in a series that wasn’t relatively close.

All-Star point guard Darius Garland got hurt during the series which caused him to miss the final two games and unfortunately the injury has rolled over into Cleveland’s second round matchup with the Indiana Pacers.

Garland missed the first game, and his presence was sorely missed as the Cavs lost 121-112.

They still managed a way to put up points, but head coach Kenny Atkinson was adamant in his post-game press conference that the team’s ball movement was unacceptable.

This is obviously something that the two-time All-Star would fix because he is one of the best point guards in the game.

Cleveland is hoping they can get Garland back sooner rather than later to salvage their season.

During the presser, Atkinson was persistent in his belief that they “need” the floor general back on the court.

He expressed that the team is not comfortable with rushing him back because a toe is important for a small guard to cut and change directions quickly.

Garland is currently listed as questionable for Tuesday night’s game, but there is some hope that he may finally return to the lineup.

If he doesn’t, then Cleveland will need to come up with answers quick to stay afloat until he gets back.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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