The Cleveland Cavaliers are grappling with uncertainty as guard Darius Garland faces further evaluation following a re-injury to his surgically repaired left great toe during a dramatic overtime loss to the Miami Heat on November 6, 2023. The team’s head coach, Kenny Atkinson, was ejected in the third quarter for his heated remarks towards the officiating crew, but the focus has quickly shifted to Garland’s condition after he left the game in visible pain.
The game itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Cavaliers initially leading before the Heat rallied to tie the score with just 7.1 seconds remaining, forcing overtime. Donovan Mitchell, who endured a bloodied nose during the match, made a pivotal three-pointer late in overtime, but the Heat countered with a game-winning alley-oop dunk, sealing the score at 140-138.
Postgame, Atkinson provided limited updates, stating, “I haven’t gotten an update yet. Obviously, [Garland] couldn’t continue.” Garland was not available for media interviews as he underwent further assessment in the trainer’s room, with plans to meet with team doctors again on Tuesday morning.
This latest injury marks a troubling chapter for Garland, who had already missed the first seven games of the season while recovering from surgery on the same toe. His initial injury occurred in the playoffs last spring, sidelining him for critical games. “Just hope he is OK,” teammate Evan Mobley expressed, highlighting the team’s concern for Garland’s well-being.
During the game, Garland appeared to sustain the injury in the second quarter after an awkward step while driving to the basket. Though he managed to complete two free throws, he limped off the court shortly before halftime. He returned for the second half but ultimately exited again, visibly in distress, after committing a take foul. Atkinson mentioned, “There were a couple times where he was limping, and you have to defer to the player… Maybe I should have pulled him earlier, but I trust him with good communication.”
Garland finished the match with 11 points on just 2 of 9 shooting, logging a mere 19 minutes. Donovan Mitchell reflected on the situation, noting, “This is part of it. I’d rather this happen today than in four or five months.” He emphasized the challenges athletes face with injuries, acknowledging that setbacks are part of the recovery journey.
With the Cavaliers scheduled for practice at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Tuesday, the team will focus on recovery rather than training. The next game against the Heat will take place on Wednesday night, raising questions about Garland’s availability and the potential implications for the team’s performance moving forward.
As the Cavaliers departed Miami late on Monday, a sense of anxiety loomed over the organization. With the season still in its early stages, the team is left hoping for a swift recovery for Garland, who has become a pivotal player in their lineup. The uncertainty surrounding his health adds a layer of tension as the Cavaliers aim to maintain momentum in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
