After six weeks away, Darius Garland was able to join the Cleveland Cavaliers again on Wednesday night, scoring 19 points in a win against the Detroit Pistons.
It’s been a long road to recovery for Garland, who fractured his jaw back in December and has had to endure a lot.
Right before the game, Serena Winters summed up the struggles that Garland has gone through.
The young guard was left literally speechless because his mouth was wired shut and he was forced to eat through a straw for weeks.
He didn’t feel like there was an end in sight and was definitely in a negative headspace until recently.
Because of this, he was beyond excited to play with his team again and get back to work.
Darius Garland lost 12 lbs after 4 weeks of having his fractured jaw wired (turns out a completely liquid diet consumed via straw, will do that to you).
Heβs since gained 10 lbs back.
But more than anything else, he finally got his joy back tonight & THAT was great to see π pic.twitter.com/5RTTo6SK1f
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 1, 2024
An all-liquid diet and the inability to speak or even smile were very challenging for Garland, who has always been expressive.
Of course, not being able to play with his team was also hard, especially because they were doing so well and he wanted to contribute however he could.
Garland has acquired a 20.6-points, 5.8-assist average so far this season.
Once again, he is one of the best guards in the league and it hurt Cavaliers fans dearly to see him go for six weeks.
But now that Garland is fully healed, he is ready to work his way back into the rotation and help the team continue to surge.
When he left in December, there were many questions and concerns about the Cavaliers but they are now the fourth-best team in the East and have a 29-16 record.
Garland is hoping to improve those numbers even more.
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