Head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers
For fans who might have questioned Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland’s durability early in the season, they can rest easy—Garland isn’t ducking any smoke. His absence from the Cavs’ second game of a back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday is precautionary, not a sign of a deeper issue. According to Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson, Garland’s absence was a result of a tough fall the night before against the Boston Celtics.
“It was a collaborative decision,” Atkinson explained. “He took a bad fall last night, and we all got together, including Darius, and decided to keep him out tonight. It’s a rest day, really.”
Given the grueling nature of the Cavs’ early season schedule—17 games in just 29 days—this break for Garland is not just about avoiding further injury, but about giving a star player a necessary breather. The team is dealing with significant wear and tear, as they are also without seven players for the game against New Orleans.
A Grueling Start to the Season
The Cavaliers’ 2024-25 season has been nothing short of exhausting, with a frenetic pace that has had an obvious physical toll on the players. For Garland, who has played a major role in the Cavs’ strong 15-1 start, the heavy minutes have accumulated. Atkinson noted that Garland has run the 10th most miles in the league this season, a testament to his high workload. The Cavs have leaned heavily on Garland, and he’s responded with some of the best basketball of his career.
“He’s been spectacular,” Atkinson said. “We’ve run him hard to spectacular results.”
Through the first 16 games, Garland has posted career-highs in efficiency, averaging 20.6 points on 49.2% shooting, along with 7.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game. His ability to score efficiently and facilitate Cleveland’s offense has been a key factor in their success.
Why Resting Garland Makes Sense
Despite Garland’s incredible start, the Cavs understand that sustainable success over a long season requires managing player workloads. Cleveland has been playing a breakneck schedule, and with the team already battered by injuries, resting key players whenever possible is crucial for long-term success.
“We’re all tired because we’re all doing this job,” Atkinson said. “I just don’t know how they do it—seventeen games in 29 days. The league is playing faster. It just speaks to the athletes that we have.”
For the Cavaliers, this rest for Garland is especially important given the team’s goals this season. Garland has shown he can be an All-Star-caliber guard when healthy, and the team wants him firing on all cylinders when the games matter most—particularly come playoff time.
Garland’s Resurgence After Injury-Riddled 2023
Garland’s current hot streak is especially meaningful given the struggles he endured last season. A fractured jaw caused him to miss over six weeks, and the injury led to significant weight loss as he was unable to eat solid food. His struggles to regain his form after the jaw injury were evident as he shot just 44.6% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range, the worst numbers of his career.
The Cavs went 15-4 in the 19 games Garland missed last season, and questions began to arise about his future with the team. Could they afford to build around a player who had been injury-prone and struggled to regain his pre-injury form?
Cleveland answered those questions by rejecting any trade offers for Garland, trusting in his talent and his ability to return to the All-Star level he once reached. And so far, the decision has paid off in a big way.
Garland’s Importance to Cleveland’s Championship Aspirations
In a competitive Eastern Conference, Garland’s health and continued success are central to the Cavs’ playoff aspirations. His stellar play is a key reason why the Cavs find themselves with the best record in the East through the early part of the season. Without Garland, the team would not be in such a strong position, and his leadership on the court has been invaluable.
But as Atkinson and the Cavs have learned, the marathon of an NBA season requires a balance of pushing hard when necessary and allowing time for rest when it’s available. The decision to sit Garland against the Pelicans, although it’s just one game, is a reminder of how important it is to preserve your star players for the long haul.
With a three-day break ahead, Garland’s absence is a small but important step in ensuring he remains fresh for what lies ahead, including the Cavs’ next game against the Toronto Raptors. The rest may be brief, but it’s essential for keeping Garland at his peak throughout the season.
As the Cavaliers continue their dominant start, managing Garland’s minutes and health will be one of the most important factors in whether they can maintain their momentum and make a deep playoff run. For now, fans will have to wait a little longer to see their star point guard back in action—but when he returns, it will be with the full force of a well-rested, All-Star caliber guard leading the charge.
