TITLE: Garland’s Lingering Toe Injury Shadows Cavaliers’ Slow Start
SLUG: garlands-lingering-toe-injury-shadows-cavaliers-slow-start
CONTENT:
The Cleveland Cavaliers have opened the season 15-13, placing ninth in the Eastern Conference after 28 games—a notable drop-off for a club that finished last year with the conference’s best record.
Much of the concern centers on point guard Darius Garland, whose surgically repaired left big toe has limited him since he returned to the lineup. Garland missed the first seven games following offseason surgery and has since struggled to regain his usual burst and separation, both offensively and defensively.
A recent Bleacher Report analysis by Grant Hughes pinpointed Garland’s health as Cleveland’s most pressing issue. According to the report, the Cavaliers’ offensive rating declines by more than five points when the guard is on the floor—something that had not occurred at any prior point in his career.
Over 12 appearances, Garland is averaging 15.4 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 36.3 percent from the field and below 30 percent from three-point range. He has already aggravated the toe several times but continues to push to stay in the lineup.
Despite the backcourt struggles, Cleveland still ranks in the league’s top half in offensive efficiency, defensive efficiency, and net rating. Even so, a roster built around pace and guard play has found establishing rhythm difficult while Garland remains short of full strength.
With more than 50 games left on the schedule, the Cavaliers hope the 23-year-old can regain form and stabilize a season that has started far from what the organization envisioned.
Source: Hoops Wire
