Stephen A. Smith did not hold back on First Take when addressing Darius Garland’s continued absence during the Cavaliers’ playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Garland, who has now missed four straight postseason games with a sprained toe, came under fire from the outspoken ESPN analyst for sitting out what has become a make-or-break moment for Cleveland’s playoff hopes.
“Darius Garland, listen. A toe injury is significant. Can be very painful. I understand that. You’ve gotta be damn near crippled if you can’t play. You gotta be damn near crippled if you can’t play. You’ve gotta find a way to get out there.”
“Because last night Nemphardt and Haliburton combined for 45 points, like 19 assists and one turnover. They’re getting guard play in Indiana. Donovan Mitchell needs help. Period. Because whether it’s Ty Jerome, whether it’s Struss or somebody else, I mean listen, they’re not point guards.”
“Okay? He needs some help in that backcourt. You’ve missed four straight games Darius Garland. I mean damn. You’ve got all offseason to heal. Somehow, someway. I mean you’re on the brink of elimination. I mean, you gotta get out there. You gotta find a way.”
“Limp yo’ a** out there no matter which way you’ve got to do it. I don’t give a damn. Alright? Find a way. Pad the toe, wear an extra size shoe. Do somethin’, but you’ve got to get out there. You gotta get out there.”
Garland’s absence is becoming increasingly scrutinized as the Cavs have fallen into a 0–2 hole in the second round. His last appearance was in Game 2 of the first-round sweep over Miami, where he dropped 21 points and 9 assists in 32 minutes before aggravating the injury.
He hasn’t suited up since, and with Cleveland now on the brink of elimination, Smith believes the former All-Star must push through the pain.
Mitchell indeed has been carrying a massive load for the Cavaliers. In Game 2, he poured in 48 points and nearly dragged the Cavs to a win, only to be undone by a Tyrese Haliburton dagger three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left. The Cavaliers led by 20 at one point, only to collapse in the final minutes.
Meanwhile, the Pacers’ backcourt of Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard combined for 45 points, 19 assists, and just one turnover in Game 2. Smith used this stat to highlight how outmatched the Cavaliers’ guard rotation has been without Garland.
With Ty Jerome starting in Garland’s place, the Cavs got just 1-of-14 shooting from the spot. Sam Merrill started in Game 1 but struggled mightily on both ends.
Garland averaged 20.9 points and 6.7 assists per game this season while shooting 47.2% from the field. His three-level scoring and sharp decision-making are sorely missed, especially with Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter also sidelined. The Cavs’ depth is now completely exposed against a deep and energetic Indiana team.
Smith’s fiery message echoed the sentiments of many Cavaliers fans who watched Game 2 slip away. The pressure is now mounting not just on Garland to return, but on the entire Cleveland roster to regroup fast.
With the series shifting to Indiana and the Cavaliers teetering on the edge of elimination, all eyes will be on whether Garland suits up. If not, the chorus of critics, led by Smith, will only grow louder.
