Apr 20, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) celebrates after making a three-point basket in the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images David Richard-Imagn Images

Ex-Grizzlies Player Calls Out Darius Garland Before Pacers-Cavaliers Game 3

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Jed Katz | Last updated May 7, 2025 7:55 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a tough situation after losing the first two games of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, falling 2-0 in the series to the Indiana Pacers. After last night's 120-119 loss, the Cavaliers will head to Indiana with almost no momentum for the next two games.

Cleveland was severely undermanned in last night's game, playing without Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter. Donovan Mitchell's 48 points weren't enough as Tyrese Haliburton nailed a game-winning three to complete an incredible comeback.

Former Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons called out Garland and the Cavaliers on FanDuel TV's Run It Back. The former veteran has had plenty of experience dealing with and playing through injuries over the course of his nine-year career.

The Cavs need Darius Garland & Evan Mobley to play injured in Game 3

"Play the first 5 minutes and pull yourself. At this point down 2-0 on the road, you gotta be all hands on deck." @ChandlerParsons

"Jarrett Allen got crushed last year for not dressing." @MichelleDBeadle pic.twitter.com/Bat7YUt73l
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 7, 2025

"I was hurt more than anybody," Parsons said. "Most of my injuries required surgery. When I see something like this about a toe or a sprained finger, that to me is something you can wrap up, take some medicine, whatever you gotta do, and you play. Even if it's gonna give your team a boost of energy, or confidence, or a jolt.

"Play the first 5 minutes and pull yourself. At this point down, you're 2-0 on the road, you gotta be all hands on deck."

Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Host Michelle Beadle noted that Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen was heavily criticized for not playing due to a rib injury in the 2024 playoffs when Cleveland was up against the Orlando Magic. He even received harsh words from former teammate Marcus Morris Sr.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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