The Cleveland Cavaliers guard had broken his jaw against Boston on Dec. 14, 2023, and post-surgery, it was wired shut so that it could heal properly. He didn’t eat the same way, using a straw for meals. Lost 10% of his body weight. Didn’t communicate the same way, couldn’t talk. Couldn’t be around the team the same way, and he loves being around his teammates. Couldn’t play, and basketball brings him so much joy. He had to watch Cleveland’s success from afar.
On top of that, he wasn’t having the kind of season that made him an All-Star in 2022.
“The mental part was the toughest,” Garland told USA TODAY Sports, “not being able to do the things I normally do.”
The joy and the smile are back. Garland earned an All-Star spot this season and is an integral part of one of the NBA’s best stories.
The Cavaliers are atop the Eastern Conference with the league’s best record at 52-10 heading into Friday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets. They are eight games ahead of the Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, and headed for the No. 1 seed in the East. They are on a 12-game winning streak, the third time they have won at least 10 consecutive games this season, including a 15-0 start. They also are on pace to set a franchise record in season victories, surpassing the 66-16 record from 2008-09.
Garland was one of three Cavaliers named All-Stars – Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley were the others – and he is having a career season in his sixth NBA year.
On Wednesday, the Cavaliers defeated Miami 112-107, and Garland had 15 points and 10 assists. He averages 21.0 points – just a fraction off his career-best of 21.7 – and is shooting career-highs from the field (48.1%) and on 3-pointers (41.9%). He also is averaging 6.8 assists and 1.1 steals. In clutch time (games within five points in the final five minutes of regulation or overtime), Garland has been stellar, shooting 59.5% from the field and 61.5% on 3s.
“This is a totally different year. It’s crazy what a total year can do and the entire 180 that has happened. It’s truly an honor,” Garland said. “It’s a blessing that I can do something I love and have one of my senses back.
“I rushed back last year trying to get back on the floor with the guys and that’s when I was down almost 20 pounds in the second round of the playoffs trying to play against the [eventual] NBA champions. That’s how eager I was. But now I’m fully healthy, had a full summer just to recover and get my weight back up and just work on my craft. It’s a big difference.”
The Garland-Mitchell backcourt is one of the best in the NBA. They jumpstart Cleveland’s offense and are part of the Cavaliers’ most efficient five-man lineups.
“He’s been incredible in the clutch. He’s shooting the ball great. Playing good defense,” first-year coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters. “I look around the league, and I respect the league and he’s got to be in that top tier. Phenomenal player.”
