Cleveland Cavaliers bench Darius Garland with a serious toe injury
- Darius Garland sustained a sprained left big toe during the playoffs, worsening the injury in Game 2.
- The Cleveland Cavaliers announced he would miss Game 4 against the Miami Heat after already sitting out Game 3.
- Garland's absence puts pressure on the Cavaliers as they aim to maintain their series lead and advance in the playoffs.
In the ongoing Eastern Conference first-round series during the 2025 NBA playoffs, Darius Garland, an All-Star guard, has been struggling with a sprained left big toe. The injury was aggravated late in Game 2 of the series, which took place on April 25, and despite his efforts to warm up before Game 3 on April 27, the Cleveland Cavaliers made the decision to keep him sidelined. The Cavaliers had secured a victory in that game, increasing their series lead to 3-0 against the Miami Heat, demonstrating their solid performance even without Garland's contributions. Garland's absence has raised questions about the team's dynamics and future games, as he had been a key player, contributing an average of 24 points and 7 assists during the first two games. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson echoed the concern about managing Garland's injury, noting that while the injury is not expected to be prolonged, the nature of the toe injury makes treatment and management critical. It is crucial for the Cavs to take precautions considering they could potentially advance in the playoffs. The Heat have reacted to comments made by Garland regarding their defense, which added a layer of tension to the series as both players and coaches commented back and forth to media. Tyler Herro, a rising star for Miami, expressed annoyance at Garland’s statement about Cleveland's game plan, highlighting the competitive atmosphere surrounding the playoff series. Miami is keen to retaliate and avoid a sweep during Game 4, which adds pressure to both teams. With the Cavaliers having a 62-15 record when Garland plays this season, his absence is felt significantly. They are now tasked with maintaining their lead without a crucial contributor. The next step is for the team to decide on Garland’s participation in upcoming games as they prepare to face the Miami Heat again in Game 4. A win would secure their advancement in the playoff series, putting them in a favorable position as they prepare for the Eastern Conference semifinals. The scrutiny surrounding players’ health in high-stakes playoff situations frames an important narrative as NBA teams strive for victory.