The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a fantastic start this season, as they’re 4-1 through five games.
To make matters even more impressive, all of the Cavs’ wins this season have come without Darius Garland.
The one-time All-Star suffered an eye injury in Cleveland’s season opener, and he has missed four straight games since then.
Fans are certainly hoping to see Garland back in action soon, but it won’t happen on Sunday.
He’ll be unavailable for Cleveland’s matchup against the New York Knicks.
Darius Garland is out tomorrow for the #Cavs against the New York Knicks.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) October 29, 2022
Garland was able to put in some work on Saturday, so that’s definitely a positive sign.
#Cavs Darius Garland did go through practice today, but everything was non-contact. He’s out shooting afterwards without protective eyewear. pic.twitter.com/7ZwU4pe4qI
— Danny Cunningham (@RealDCunningham) October 29, 2022
Since the season is so young and the Cavs have been able to stay afloat without Garland, there’s no need for the team to rush him back.
On A Roll
Aside from Garland’s injury, the early stages of this season have gone about as well for the Cavs as they could have hoped for.
Newcomer Donovan Mitchell has been outstanding in Garland’s absence.
The three-time All-Star is averaging 31.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game so far this season while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from deep.
Other players have stepped up as well, including Caris LeVert, who dropped an efficient 41 points and seven assists in Cleveland’s most recent victory.
Cleveland currently looks like one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and once Garland is ready to return, the squad will only get better.
It seems like the Cavs have what it takes to make some serious noise this season.
