Darius Garland’s Breakout: Cavaliers’ Strong Start Raises Championship Hopes
The Cleveland Cavaliers have surged to a promising 4-0 start this season, with Darius Garland leading the charge in an impressive win against the New York Knicks. Garland, who finished the game with 34 points, reminded fans and analysts why he was an All-Star just two seasons ago. With the Cavaliers looking like a potential championship contender, this victory, coupled with Garland’s performance, has sparked excitement around the team’s future.
Garland’s Resurgence: A Key to Cleveland’s Success
Darius Garland’s exceptional performance against the Knicks was a reminder of his talent, which had been overshadowed during a somewhat underwhelming season last year. His ability to dominate games is crucial for Cleveland, and his playmaking abilities, both in terms of scoring and facilitating, seem to be returning to the form that made him such a key player during the 2021-2022 season.
In the win over the Knicks, Garland showcased an array of offensive skills. Early in the game, he demonstrated his effectiveness off the ball, a strategic shift from previous seasons where he often dominated possession. Cleveland’s offense under coach Kenny Atkinson has evolved to focus on quicker ball movement and more dynamic sets. Garland’s ability to navigate screens, both as a scorer and a facilitator, has been key in this adjustment.
A Shift in Offensive Philosophy
One of the most noticeable changes under coach Kenny Atkinson has been the speed at which Cleveland’s offense develops. Under previous coach JB Bickerstaff, the team’s offense was criticized for being slow and predictable, often wasting valuable time on the shot clock before initiating plays. Atkinson’s system, on the other hand, emphasizes early offensive action and decisive playmaking, a change that Garland has adapted to remarkably well.
For example, one notable play saw Garland drive to the basket after an Allen screen, utilizing his trademark floater to score over the defense. This type of quick decision-making has become more frequent, with Garland now playing with the same confidence and flair that he displayed when Ricky Rubio was his backcourt partner. Garland’s ability to finish with finesse, paired with his decision-making in choosing between a floater or a lob to a big man like Jarrett Allen, has made Cleveland’s pick-and-roll game nearly unstoppable.
Re-Establishing the Floater and Three-Point Game
Garland’s floater game has become a major asset once again, allowing him to be unpredictable in the paint. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions forces opponents to pick their poison—either contest the floater or defend the lob pass. Against the Knicks, Garland made the right choice multiple times, either finishing with a soft touch at the rim or setting up his teammates for easy baskets.
Beyond his penetration game, Garland has also re-established his step-back three-point shot. Last season, Garland struggled with confidence from deep, but against the Knicks, he hit multiple step-back threes, signaling a return to form. His ability to stop on a dime and hit a pull-up jumper adds another dimension to Cleveland’s offense. Defenders now have to choose between pressing Garland on the perimeter, where he can blow by them, or sagging off and risking a made three-pointer.
The Donovan Mitchell and Garland Duo: Finding Synergy
One of the criticisms last season was the perceived lack of synergy between Garland and Donovan Mitchell. Both players are dynamic guards, but at times it seemed like they were taking turns rather than complementing each other. However, in this recent victory, we saw flashes of what this backcourt duo can become.
On one play, Mitchell started with the ball and attacked the defense, causing defenders to collapse. Instead of forcing a tough shot, he recognized Garland’s positioning and kicked it out to him for an open three-pointer. This type of unselfish play and trust between the two guards is a promising sign for the Cavaliers, indicating that they can indeed coexist and elevate each other’s game.
If Garland and Mitchell can consistently play off each other like this, Cleveland’s offense will be much more dynamic and difficult to stop. Both players are capable scorers and facilitators, and as they continue to build chemistry, opposing defenses will have to pick their battles carefully.
Defensive Improvement: Garland’s Two-Way Play
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Garland’s recent performance was his contribution on the defensive end. Garland finished the game with two steals and two blocks, an unexpected stat line for a player not known for his defense. While he may not become a lockdown defender, his improved effort and awareness on defense are a welcome addition to his game.
This improvement on the defensive side of the ball not only makes Garland more valuable but also helps the Cavaliers’ overall defense, which has been a strength early this season. With shot-blockers like Allen and Evan Mobley patrolling the paint, Garland’s ability to pressure the ball and force turnovers adds another layer to Cleveland’s defensive prowess.
Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley: Anchoring the Defense
While much of the attention has been on Garland’s offensive outburst, it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Allen finished the game with a quiet 15-point, 15-rebound double-double, setting crucial screens and providing a steady presence in the paint. Mobley added 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most promising young big men.
Together, Allen and Mobley form one of the best defensive frontcourts in the NBA. Their ability to protect the rim and disrupt opposing offenses is a key reason why Cleveland has been so successful early this season. If Garland continues to improve defensively, the Cavaliers could become a top-tier defensive team.
