The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t need Darius Garland to get past the Miami Heat.
That re-ignited some criticism and doubt about his role next to Donovan Mitchell.
However, Brian Windhorst doesn’t think the team is better without him.
Talking on ESPN Cleveland, the renowned NBA insider argued that Garland will be crucial to take down the Indiana Pacers.
He pointed out that he’s been spectacular this season, adding that the Cavs wouldn’t have been able to win as many games as they did if it weren’t for him.
“Darius Garland has been awesome,” Windhorst said. “One of the reasons why the Cavs won 64 games and one of the reasons why they won games 1 and 2 of the series is because they have that incredible one-two punch that they can go to in Garland and [Donovan] Mitchell.”
.@WindhorstESPN says the Cavs are NOT better without Darius Garland and that he will be very important in the Pacers series.
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/AD9NnZ06Gc
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) April 30, 2025
He also thinks that Garland will be instrumental in taking down the Pacers because he will give Kenny Atkinson another shot-creator next to Mitchell.
However, Windhorst admitted that if the Cavs flame out in the playoffs or Garland doesn’t play well, then the front office might reassess their stance on him.
Then again, for the time being, it seems like the front office is ready to double down on their commitment to their talented backcourt.
Garland has been quite good this season, especially in the clutch, but he still doesn’t get enough recognition around the league.
Some believe he’s soft or doesn’t have what it takes to step up in the playoffs.
And while history definitely isn’t on his side, he’s earned the benefit of the doubt with the way he’s played this season.
He knows what’s at stake, and it will be very difficult to turn the narrative around if he goes missing in action in the playoffs again this time around.
NEXT: Brian Windhorst Says Pacers Will Be A Legit Challenge For Cavs
