• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cleveland Daily

Cleveland Sports News, Rumors & Highlights

  • Home
  • Guardians News
  • Cavs News
  • Browns News
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • About

Darius Garland Comments On Cavs’ Play In Tournament Loss

By Robert Marvi May 11, 2022

Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers signals to teammates during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 12, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

 

After putting together one of the NBA’s best defenses, hopes were high that the Cleveland Cavaliers would finally return to the NBA playoffs for the first time since LeBron James left the team in 2018.

But instead of finishing sixth in the Eastern Conference and making the postseason outright, Cleveland claimed seventh place and had to go through the play-in tournament.

It lost a close contest to Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and the struggling Brooklyn Nets, but it only got worse, as the Cavs ultimately fell to the Atlanta Hawks.

Darius Garland, the team’s star point guard and leader, admitted that he feels bad about losing in the tournament and not reaching the playoffs, and it appears he will be using the experience as motivation for next season.

 

Failing Forward?

Losing is as much a part of the NBA experience, especially for a young team like the Cavs.

There is an old saying that one learns more from losing than from winning, and there is plenty for the Cavs to learn from their humbling experience in this year’s play-in tournament.

Here is what the first-time All-Star told Tyler R. Tynes in an article that was published in GQ on Tuesday about what his goals are for next season:

“Getting into the playoffs, for sure,” said Garland. “I want to make it to the first or second round. That’s my number one goal. Having that play-in game experience and not getting into the playoffs, I was kind of hurt about it. But, next year, we’ll be back better and a lot healthier.”

It’s notable that Garland only mentioned a team goal as far as making the playoffs and not any individual goals, which is a trait of a true servant leader.

He also said that merely the experience of being in the play-in tournament will help moving forward.

“It was getting that experience and I didn’t want the season to end,” Garland said about what hurt about losing the tournament. “Being there, feeling the playoff experience, that atmosphere with the whole city behind you, you could barely hear in the arena. It was lit the whole time, in Brooklyn [and in] the second game against Atlanta at home. That was probably the most intense basketball I’ve ever had in my life. So it was cool having that experience, but I definitely want to get into the playoffs.”

 

The Cavs Have To Learn How To Close

Losing to Brooklyn was disappointing enough, but Cavs fans can soothe themselves with the knowledge that the Nets were simply more talented and had more experienced veterans.

Garland can also take pride in knowing that he had a great game that night with 34 points on 13-of-24 shooting and nearly matching Irving’s output.

Darius Garland dropped 24 PTS in the second-half on his way to 34 points.

The @cavs will host the winner of Hornets/Hawks Friday at 7:30pm/et on ESPN for the opportunity to advance to the #NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel. pic.twitter.com/4fBJDAcmpA

— NBA (@NBA) April 13, 2022

But the following game versus Atlanta really hurts.

The Cavs came out smoking, playing inspired defense and playing fast-break basketball on the other end, and they built a double-digit lead by the end of the first quarter.

Darius Garland’s highlights Vs Atlanta Hawks. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/gjNHwHNZoC

— Mack Perry (@DevaronPerry) April 16, 2022

They still led 61-51 at halftime, and it looked like perhaps they could look forward to a first-round playoff matchup against the Miami Heat.

But Trae Young and company flipped the script in the third quarter, holding Cleveland to just 23 points, and it only got worse, as the Cavs could muster only 17 points in the final frame.

In their 107-101 loss, Garland went just 9-of-27 from the field for 21 points, and although he had nine assists, he was thoroughly outplayed by Young.

With continued improvement from Garland and Evan Mobley, plus the return of Collin Sexton (assuming he is signed to a long-term contract this summer), the Cavs could climb the standings and reach the postseason in 2023.

    Get ALL the latest Cleveland sports news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Cleveland daily newsletter here!    

Filed Under: Cleveland Cavaliers Rumors And News (Updated Daily) Tagged With: Darius Garland

Reader Interactions

Follow Cleveland Daily!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More Darius Garland News

The Cleveland Cavaliers tip-off against the Charlotte Hornets with 300 fans in attendance at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 23, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Hornets 121-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Will The Cavs' Beat Their Win-Loss Projection?

6 months ago

Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles as Seth Curry #30 of the Brooklyn Nets defends during the second half of the Eastern Conference 2022 Play-In Tournament at Barclays Center on April 12, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 115-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Report: Cedi Osman Discussed In Cavs Trade Talks This Summer

6 months ago

A basketball hoop, net and backboard are shown before the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament between the Saint Mary's Gaels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the Orleans Arena on March 08, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs defeated the Gaels 82-69.

Who Might The Cavs Move If Collin Sexton Returns?

6 months ago

Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 08, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 118-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Fans React To Epic Darius Garland Workout Tape

6 months ago

Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the second half of the Eastern Conference 2022 Play-In Tournament against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 12, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 115-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

2 Realistic Trade Targets For The Cavs Before The Season Starts

6 months ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 21, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Lakers defeated the Cavaliers 131-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Former Cavalier Weighs In On Potential LeBron James Return

6 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 05, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bucks defeated the Cavaliers 123-105.

Report: Collin Sexton Holdout "Unlikely"

6 months ago

Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, second from right, sits on the bench with his team during the preseason game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on October 2, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie

Can The Cavs Win Their Division Next Season?

6 months ago

The Cleveland Cavaliers tip-off against the Charlotte Hornets with 300 fans in attendance at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 23, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Hornets 121-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

ESPN Reveals Their Cavaliers Projection For Next Season

6 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks against Kevin Huerter #3 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena on October 06, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Collin Sexton Putting In Offseason Work With Anthony Edwards

6 months ago

Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors warms up prior to Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center on May 26, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Could Andrew Wiggins And The Cavaliers Be "Reunited"?

6 months ago

Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers plays against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 24, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Evan Mobley Draws Comparisons To Two NBA Greats

6 months ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 21, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Lakers defeated the Cavaliers 131-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Cavs Not Expected To Pursue LeBron James Next Summer

6 months ago

Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is defended by Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on December 06, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

What Can Fans Expect From Lauri Markkanen Next Season?

6 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Report: Cavs Have Already Offered "Absolute Maximum" To Collin Sexton

6 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter at Staples Center on October 27, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Is League Interest In Collin Sexton Heating Up?

6 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks against Kevin Huerter #3 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena on October 06, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Report: Collin Sexton "More Likely" To Take Qualifying Offer Over Multi-Year Extension

6 months ago

Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers watches a replay during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on February 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

What Is Cedi Osman's Future In Cleveland?

6 months ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers watches from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on April 05, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 121-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Are The Cavs Making Room For A Big Homecoming?

6 months ago

Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 26, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 115-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Are The Cavs Primed For A Deep Postseason Run?

6 months ago

Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots in front of Daniel Gafford #21 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on December 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Is A Big Season Ahead For Isaac Okoro?

6 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Report: Sexton Negotiations Could Extend Into Season

6 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 05, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bucks defeated the Cavaliers 123-105.

What's Next After The Cavs' Latest Sexton Offer?

6 months ago

Caris LeVert #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket as Nic Claxton #33 and Seth Curry #30 of the Brooklyn Nets defend during the second half at Barclays Center on April 08, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 118-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Understanding The Cavs' Long-Term Plan For Caris LeVert

6 months ago

Primary Sidebar

Search Cleveland Daily

Follow Cleveland Daily!

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms And Conditions

Contact Us

Copyright © 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - ClevelandDaily.com is not affiliated with the Cleveland Indians or Major League Baseball.