Cavs Star Defends All-Star Teammates From Injury Criticism

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated May 10, 2025 4:44 PM ET

Cleveland Cavaliers fans have been defending their team from what they felt was unwarranted criticism all year long.

They were on a historic pace when they started out 15-0 and eventually secured the second-best record in franchise history.

Because of their shortcomings in the second round last year against the Boston Celtics, the Cavs and their fans knew they would have to validate themselves in the playoffs.

It started off promising with a historically lopsided sweep of the Miami Heat in the first round.

Tragedy struck when point guard Darius Garland hurt his toe during the series and has now missed four consecutive games.

To make matters worse, during game one of the semifinals against the Indiana Pacers, Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley injured his ankle and missed game two.

Shockingly, Cleveland is now down 2-0 heading on the road and fans are rightfully furious.

There is a section of X/Twitter infamously nicknamed “NBA Twitter” that is extremely harsh and unforgiving.

After shielding their team from critics and trolls all season, Cavs fans are turning on Garland and Mobley for what they perceive to be quitting on the team.

Jarrett Allen knows what it’s like to be subject to that sort of criticism and he doesn’t take kindly to the shots being taken at his teammates.

Last postseason, Allen missed his team’s last eight games with broken ribs and fans were livid that he didn’t play through it.

Being able to relate to Mobley and Garland, the center had this to say, “They want to be able to contribute at the highest level… At one point if you can’t, you’d be a detriment to the team.”

If there’s anyone who knows what it’s like to be seriously injured (broken ribs) but be accused of being soft, it’s Jarrett Allen, who feels for Darius Garland, Evan Mobley & De’Andre Hunter #Cavs #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/DxZpr8tLed
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) May 7, 2025

It’s unclear how much intel Allen has on the injuries and their severities, but it sounds like his teammates’ bodies will not allow them to compete at the elite level they need to be at.

If it doesn’t happen soon then Cleveland’s season may end in more heartbreaking fashion than last year.

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

More must-reads: