3 Cleveland Cavaliers who need to step up in the playoffs

Darius Garland

Darius Garland has proven to be an All-Star level point guard and at times this year has been the best player on the court. A court that included Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell. Yet, as the season comes to a close, Mitchell and Mobley’s stock has risen, while Garland’s has stayed the same, if not declined some.

From Feb. 8 to March 10, Garland averaged 21.63 points, while shooting 52% from the floor and 50% from the three-point line. From March 12 to now, Garland averaged 19.63 points per game and his shooting has fallen off, shooting just 42% from the floor and 28% from three.

Clearly, something is off about Garland. He’s too important to be shooting under 30% (heck, under 40%) from three, and if he’s not hitting his marks, then that’s going to put a lot of pressure on Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley to carry the load offensively.

Something they shouldn’t have to do, hence why Garland is here. Garland is not a great defensive player, so his offense is what justifies his high minutes. If he’s not producing at an All-Star level offensively, then defensively he’s just going to be an issue the Cavs have to deal with.

The Cavs won’t be able to knock off the New York Knicks in the first-round if Garland is off as he’s been over the last near-month.