The NBA has come a long way from its early days.
Now, you have to put up video game-like numbers to get some recognition.
Darius Garland, however, has proven to be one of the best point guards in the league this season, even if his numbers don’t always pop out.
Efficiency is everything, and no point guard — or player — has been a more efficient scorer than Garland this season.
As StatMuse points out, Garland is averaging 21.0 points, 6.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game on 50/43/92 shooting splits.
Darius Garland:
21.0 PPG
6.7 APG
1.1 SPG
50/43/92%The only player in the 50/40/90 club this season. pic.twitter.com/l3lsbNzXyx
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 10, 2025
As such, he’s the only player to join the exclusive 50/40/90 club this season.
Garland has already made it loud and clear that he feels like he deserves to be an All-Star again, and while 21.0 points per game isn’t that impressive by today’s standards, he deserves to get the nod.
He’s been the second-best player on the best team in the NBA.
His court vision has improved, and he’s been much more aggressive in getting to his offensive spots.
Furthermore, though he is not a great defender, he has taken big steps in that direction.
Former head coach J.B. Bickerstaff used to hide Garland on defense, but Kenny Atkinson has challenged him to be a much more active defender.
The Cavaliers are on pace to win more than 70 games this season, which would obviously be a franchise record.
That would not be possible if not for Garland’s stellar play.
NEXT: Latest NBA Power Rankings Show Where Cavs Stand
