There will be no tomorrow for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
They’re not done yet, but they have no margin for error now.
Notably, that’s why Stephen A. Smith believes that it’s time that Darius Garland steps up and gets back on the court, even if he’s hurt.
Talking on ESPN’s “First Take,” the controversial pundit urged Garland to play through injury and give Donovan Mitchell some much-needed help.
“You’re on the brink of elimination. … Limp yo a— out there no matter which way you got to do it,” Smith said.
"You're on the brink of elimination. … Limp yo ass out there no matter which way you got to do it."
—@stephenasmith on Darius Garland's toe injury 😅 pic.twitter.com/xYnZmp9gQJ
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 7, 2025
Smith argued that there was no point in trying to stay healthy for the playoffs if you won’t be able to suit up when it matters most.
He pointed out that the Indiana Pacers are getting some stellar play from their guards, and while Ty Jerome and Max Strus can get some buckets, neither of them is a point guard.
Garland has now missed the last four games with a toe injury.
The Cavs have missed his efficient three-level scoring and playmaking, and his absence has also allowed the Pacers to swarm Mitchell on the perimeter.
Mitchell has shot 2-for-18 from beyond the arc through two games, and he needs someone to defer to.
As Smith pointed out, Garland will have the entire offseason to heal and get back to full strength.
No one is fully healthy at this point in the season, and this is the moment that separates good players from great ones.
The Cavs can still storm right back and win this series; we’ve seen them win four in a row multiple times this season.
However, it will be difficult to do so without their All-Star point guard.
NEXT: Brian Windhorst Reveals How Cavs Can Still Beat Pacers
