Cleveland Cavaliers fans came into Game 3 with bouts of doubt. The team that played one of its best seasons in recent memory squandered its home-court advantage after losing the first two games of their series against the Indiana Pacers.
The team was hard-pressed to perform better as the series headed to Indian, and fans who watched the game would be happy to see the Cavs perform better against the Pacers. The game was nowhere near close as Donovan Mitchell and company managed to overpower their opponents, 126-104.
Darius Garland was one of the more standout performers for the Cavaliers. While his numbers during the Cavaliers’ dominant display weren’t anything to write home about, his grit and determination were what captured Kenny Atkinson’s attention the most.
Kenny Atkinson praised Darius Garland for playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers despite injury
Cavaliers fans who watched Game 2 happen knew their other star guard wouldn’t be playing in his best form. He sustained a toe injury and isn’t expected to have as much impact. This proved to be true as Garland finished with only 10 points, one rebound, and three assists on a horrible 27.3% shooting.
However, Atkinson still tipped his hat for Garland, saying that his determination to play through pain was instrumental in their win.
Per Basketnews.com:
“To get him to play in this game, there’s a lot that goes into it. He’s kinda taking one for the team here,” Atkinson said in a post-game press conference. “With a 2-0 situation, I think he had to push through a lot tonight. So, hopefully, he recovers.”
“Even for 15-20 minutes from him, we need another ball handler. He can create separation, he can create advantages even if it’s not gonna be perfect with the way his health is right now,” he added.
Atkinson hints that he will continue to play Garland as much as they can since the Cavaliers need his playmaking chops to react to anything Tyrese Haliburton and company throw their way. Fans will hope the Cavs’ medical team will be able to help Garland manage his injury as they look to equalise the series.
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