Darius Garland is off to a hot start for the 12-0 Cleveland Cavaliers this season, and it has seemed to highlight the down year he had last season.
During the second half of last season and especially in the playoffs, he wasn’t his usual efficient self, and at least some of his struggles were due to injury.
He suffered a broken jaw last season that resulted in him having his jaw wired shut and having to stick to a liquid diet, and he told ESPN that there wasn’t much he could do at one point.
“I was at home, I couldn’t even eat or talk,” he said.
"I was at home, I couldn't even eat or talk."
Darius Garland reflects with @malika_andrews on his injuries last season and how he rediscovered his joy for basketball with the 12-0 Cavs. pic.twitter.com/zjzdHJrLNb
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 12, 2024
Garland shot 44.6 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from 3-point range during the regular season, which doesn’t sound that bad, but in 12 playoff games, he was at just 42.7 percent overall shooting.
Cleveland ended up losing in the second round of the playoffs in five games to the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics, and there were some rumors that they were considering trading him this summer.
But through 12 games this season, Garland has made 52.6 percent of his shots overall and is shooting a scorching 45.9 percent from 3-point land.
He has also cut down on his turnovers — he has gone from 3.1 turnovers a game last season to 2.5 so far this season.
With his improved play, Cleveland seems to have one of the NBA’s best backcourt once again with him and Donovan Mitchell, while reserve Ty Jerome could be blossoming a bit as a reserve shooting guard.
NEXT: Ty Jerome Is Having A Breakout Season For Cavs
