The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> face the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in NBA Cup action, a matchup that could prove pivotal as the competition continues to gain momentum and attract more attention. With stars playing an increasingly important role in these knockout-style games, one question stands out: Will Darius Garland play?



Darius Garland could make his return from injury on Friday, as <a href="https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/referee/injury/Injury-Report_2025-11-21_09AM.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he is listed as questionable</a> for the game against the Pacers. The update aligns with earlier reports from Wednesday suggesting the guard was nearing a return to game action.



The report regarding Garland’s potential comeback against Indiana came from Shams Charania, and the possibility now appears realistic. Garland has appeared in only three games this season while dealing with a lingering toe issue that also bothered him at the end of last year.



In his three appearances this <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> season, Garland has averaged 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists in 24 minutes per game. He has yet to rediscover the rhythm he showed last season, but if he manages to stay healthy from this point forward, he will remain one of Cleveland’s key players to watch.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="395066" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251121_BUS_531198_GettyImages-2214295298-1_89957618.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="garland-cavaliers-vs-pacers" class="wp-image-395066" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers.</figcaption></figure>
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<h2>How the teams enter the matchup</h2>



Beyond <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/darius-garland">Garland</a>, the Cavs have several other names on their injury report. Jarrett Allen is also questionable with a right finger strain, while rookie Jaylon Tyson remains in concussion protocol. Sam Merrill will miss his second straight game due to a right hand sprain.


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Cleveland enter the night at 10-6 and face a Pacers group that look very different from the team that eliminated the Cavs in the second round last spring. The Cavs are trying to position themselves once again among the top teams in their conference this season.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-pacers">Indiana</a>, meanwhile, are 2-13 and have been hit hard by injuries, headlined by Tyrese Haliburton’s ruptured Achilles suffered in Game 7 of last year’s Finals. Haliburton dominated Cleveland in that postseason series and was central to Indiana’s run.



The Pacers also lost Myles Turner in free agency to the Bucks and have been without key rotation pieces such as Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin. What was a Finals-caliber roster six months ago is now a patchwork group simply trying to stay afloat.

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miniaturas

The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves on the brink of elimination after falling 3–1 in their NBA Eastern Conference series against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-pacers">Indiana Pacers</a>. Sunday’s Game 4 in Indianapolis was another showcase of the Pacers’ balanced attack and defensive pressure, which overwhelmed the Cavs despite another strong effort from Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, who is confident in a comeback and thinks they can repeat the feat that LeBron James achieved in the franchise. 



But this time, the spotlight shifted—at least briefly—to Darius Garland. After an encouraging performance in Game 4, Garland met with reporters postgame, his toe still recovering from injury but his resolve unwavering. “This franchise has been down 3–1 before,” Garland said. “This group can do it. We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the skill set. The camaraderie is always there. We just have to go out and play our brand of basketball—tough, physical, and together.”



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/darius-garland">Garland</a> missed the early part of the series due to injury, but he returned with a renewed sense of urgency and leadership. Following Game 3, he spoke from the locker room about his motivation: “I just want to be out there for my guys,” he said. “Everyone’s been playing through injuries, putting their bodies on the line. We’re still fighting. I just want to do whatever I can to help us win this series.”



Cleveland now faces a near-impossible task—overcoming a 3–1 deficit against a red-hot Pacers team that has flipped the narrative after Cleveland’s dominant regular season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250512_BUS_396371_GettyImages-2209813205-1-1024x576_71072b92.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="garland-cavaliers" class="wp-image-394590" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/09180700/GettyImages-2209813205-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/09180700/GettyImages-2209813205-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/09180700/GettyImages-2209813205-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/09180700/GettyImages-2209813205-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/09180700/GettyImages-2209813205-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/09180700/GettyImages-2209813205-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/09180700/GettyImages-2209813205-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/09180700/GettyImages-2209813205-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first quarter of the game against the New York Knicks</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Drawing Inspiration from History</h2>



Garland’s reference to a 3–1 comeback evokes one of the most iconic moments in sports history: the Cavaliers’ miraculous comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals, led by none other than <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a>.


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That year, Cleveland trailed 3–1 to a record-setting 73–win Golden State Warriors team loaded with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. But LeBron’s heroic <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> performance—back-to-back 41-point games in Games 5 and 6, and a triple-double in Game 7—became the stuff of legend.



<h2>What does LeBron need to achieve the comeback?</h2>



Kyrie Irving hit the series-defining shot over Curry in the final minute of Game 7, while LeBron delivered the iconic chase-down block on Andre Iguodala—a symbol of Cleveland’s relentless will.



Another key turning point came when Green was suspended for Game 5, disrupting the Warriors’ rhythm and giving the Cavs new life. From there, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers">Cleveland</a>’s defense locked in, their stars delivered, and the franchise claimed its first-ever NBA championship.



It was a perfect storm of talent, resilience, and timing—one Garland hopes this current group can somehow replicate. The task ahead is daunting, but Cleveland has seen the impossible before. Now, they’ll try to do it again.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers kept their postseason hopes alive with a pivotal Game 3 win over the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-pacers">Indiana Pacers</a> in the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs, cutting the series deficit to 2–1 and injecting new life into their push for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals. A major storyline from the night was the return of starting point guard Darius Garland, who addressed recent criticism of his play in his first game back from injury.



“It’s easy for people to talk, but y’all don’t understand what I’m going through,” Garland told Joe Vardon of The Athletic following Friday’s win. “Everybody has their opinions. I’m out there playing basketball. Everybody’s dealing with nicks and bruises this time of year. I’m just trying to go out and help us win this series.”



While <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/darius-garland">Garland</a> didn’t light up the box score—finishing with 10 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists—his presence alone provided a needed boost. The All-Star guard, considered Cleveland’s secondary star behind Donovan Mitchell, is expected to build momentum as the series continues.



<h2>Mobley anchors Cavs on both ends</h2>



If there was a defining moment that shifted the tone of the series, it came with Evan Mobley’s emphatic rejection of Tyrese Haliburton at the rim. That single defensive stand seemed to reignite the Cavaliers’ identity as a gritty, physical, defense-first team—and they never looked back.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250510_BUS_395063_GettyImages-2214295313-1-1024x576_bab520f0.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-395076" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/10172154/GettyImages-2214295313-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/10172154/GettyImages-2214295313-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/10172154/GettyImages-2214295313-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/10172154/GettyImages-2214295313-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/10172154/GettyImages-2214295313-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/10172154/GettyImages-2214295313-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/10172154/GettyImages-2214295313-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/10172154/GettyImages-2214295313-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers makes a move on Bennedict Mathurin #00 of the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals </figcaption></figure>



Mobley, also returning from injury, delivered a standout performance with 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks. His impact went beyond the numbers. From defending the paint to facilitating offense, Mobley reminded everyone why he’s viewed as a foundational piece of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> franchise.


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“He was incredible,” said Donovan Mitchell, who scored a game-high 43 points in another signature postseason showing. “You saw Evan blocking shots, scoring, being that presence down low with [Jarrett Allen]. It just makes everything easier for us.”



<h2>Atkinson: “Now or never”</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers">Cavaliers</a> head coach Kenny Atkinson echoed the urgency the team felt heading into Game 3.“Yeah, I guess you just get adrenaline going and, listen, those guys — we were down 2-0,” Atkinson said. “It was kind of now or never.”



With Garland and Mobley back in the lineup and Mitchell performing at an elite level, Cleveland suddenly looks like a team capable of pushing this series the distance.

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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> are set to face the Indiana Pacers on the road for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, trailing 0–2 in the NBA series after back-to-back losses. Indiana, led by Tyrese Haliburton, has stunned Cleveland with a pair of clutch wins, including a dramatic game-winner in Game 2. Now, the focus shifts to the Cavaliers’ injury report—and whether key contributors Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter will be available.



None of the three suited up in Game 2 due to injuries: Hunter (thumb) and Mobley (ankle) were both hurt in Game 1, while Garland has yet to appear in the series. All three remain listed as questionable for Friday night’s pivotal matchup.



In Game 2, Haliburton sealed the win with a last-second bucket, improving his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> career record in game-winning shot attempts to an astounding 10-of-11. His heroics overshadowed a 48-point performance from Donovan Mitchell, which ultimately wasn’t enough for a shorthanded Cavaliers squad.



<h2>Will they play tonight?</h2>



Cleveland received a dose of optimism Friday morning when Garland (toe), Hunter (thumb), and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/evan-mobley">Mobley</a> (ankle) were all seen taking part in the team’s morning shootaround in Indianapolis, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. While their official statuses remain uncertain pending pregame warmups, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on The Pat McAfee Show that all three players “intend to play” given the urgency of the situation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250509_BUS_394584_evan-mobley-1024x576_75349a47.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Evan Mobley reacts during an NBA game" class="wp-image-392558" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06175632/evan-mobley-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06175632/evan-mobley-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06175632/evan-mobley-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06175632/evan-mobley-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06175632/evan-mobley-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06175632/evan-mobley-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06175632/evan-mobley-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06175632/evan-mobley.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.</figcaption></figure>



Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson noted on Thursday that all three participated in the team’s walkthrough but stopped short of confirming their availability. “They all got some reps up, but we didn’t do anything live. They kind of participated in the walk-through, and [we’re] hoping for the best,” Atkinson said.


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<h2>Darius Garland injury update</h2>



The All-Star guard has missed four straight playoff games after aggravating a toe injury during Cleveland’s first-round win over the Miami Heat. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/darius-garland">Garland</a> was seen jogging on a treadmill during the Game 2 shootaround but did not dress. He remains listed as questionable.



<h2>Evan Mobley injury update</h2>



Mobley suffered a left ankle sprain in Game 1 vs <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-pacers">Pacers</a>, after landing awkwardly on Myles Turner’s foot while attempting a hook shot. Charania described Mobley’s status for Game 3 as “the biggest question” among the three.



<h2>De’Andre Hunter injury update</h2>



Hunter injured his right thumb in Game 1 after falling hard following a blocked shot by Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin. Though Hunter initially stated he wouldn’t miss time, he was ultimately held out of Game 2 and is officially questionable heading into Friday.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a surprising 121-112 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 at Rocket Arena without their star guard, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/darius-garland">Darius Garland</a>, who was sidelined with an injury. As they prepare to even the series in Game 2, speculation swirls about Garland’s potential return.



Garland has missed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers">Cleveland</a>’s last three games due to a sprained left big toe, an injury sustained late in the regular season and aggravated during Game 2 of the Cavs’ first-round sweep over the Miami Heat. However, despite being listed as questionable for tonight’s game, Garland has been ruled out and will not play against the Pacers, along with Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter.



According to the Akron Beacon Journal, Garland did not participate in the portion of practice open to the media on May 6 but was seen running on a treadmill in an adjacent training area.



So far, Garland has only appeared in two of the Cavaliers’ five <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> playoff games, both in the first-round series against the Heat. He was instrumental in those outings, recording 27 and 21 points respectively.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250506_BUS_392489_darius-garland-against-miami-heat-1024x576_95e8ba8b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-392499" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06164334/darius-garland-against-miami-heat-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06164334/darius-garland-against-miami-heat-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06164334/darius-garland-against-miami-heat-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06164334/darius-garland-against-miami-heat-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06164334/darius-garland-against-miami-heat-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06164334/darius-garland-against-miami-heat-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06164334/darius-garland-against-miami-heat-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06164334/darius-garland-against-miami-heat.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a foul call during the third quarter against the Miami Heat of game one of the NBA Playoffs. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Cavaliers’ injury report</h2>



Garland isn’t the only injury concern for Cleveland. Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and forward De’Andre Hunter are also listed as questionable for Game 2. Mobley sustained a sprained left ankle in Game 1, where he posted a strong stat line: 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals.


 

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Hunter, meanwhile, suffered a sprained right thumb when it dislocated during a hard fall in Game 1 following a block by Pacers guard-forward Bennedict Mathurin. Despite the injury, Hunter played 30 minutes off the bench and contributed 11 points, four rebounds, and one assist in the series opener.



<h2>Pacers’ injury report</h2>



The visiting <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-pacers">Pacers</a> have no new injury updates beyond Isaiah Jackson, who is sidelined for the season due to an Achilles tear suffered earlier this year. Jackson will not be available for the matchup against Cleveland.

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/darius-garland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darius Garland</a> has become one of the most important players for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. He ranked as the team’s second-best scorer during the first two games of the opening round. Garland posted 27 and 21 points, respectively. However, a foot injury forced him to miss Game 3 against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mia</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mi Heat</a>. Because of this, fans are now questioning whether he will be ready for Game 4.



Just before the game, Danny Cunnningham reported that the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cavaliers</a> star Darius Garland will be out of the game due to his left foot injury. According to Cleveland.com, Garland practiced at the University of Miami on Sunday afternoon to test his recovery. Still, the team has decided not to consider him for Game 4.



Considering that Cleveland leads the series 3-0, they decided to rest Garland instead of risking his health. Throughout the season, the Cavaliers have prioritized protecting their key players. In addition, the team handled Game 3 without Garland, with De’Andre Hunter stepping up and helping secure a comfortable win.



<h2>How has Darius Garland performed with the Cleveland Cavaliers so far in the playoffs?</h2>



At 25 years old, Darius Garland is playing in the first round of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Playoffs for the third time. He is having the best statistical season of his career. In two games, he has averaged 24 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Garland has also been the perfect complement to Donovan Mitchell playing a crucial role in the team’s offensive creation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250428_BUS_387326_miami-heat-cavs-1024x559_fcb9fc9d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers playing a playoff game" class="wp-image-387333" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/28172749/miami-heat-cavs-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/28172749/miami-heat-cavs-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/28172749/miami-heat-cavs-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/28172749/miami-heat-cavs-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/28172749/miami-heat-cavs.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Sam Merrill #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball against Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat during the second quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center on April 26, 2025 in Miami, Florida.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Miami Heat look to pull off upset against Cavaliers in pivotal Game 4 showdown</h2>



The Miami Heat must win to stay alive in the playoffs. Unlike the Cavaliers, they have not won a single game. Because of this, they face elimination if they lose again. However, they could still surprise Cleveland and force a Game 5. The Cavaliers have shown they sometimes lower their level when leading a series. If they ease up, the Heat could take full advantage. Therefore, Miami will need to stay aggressive and capitalize on any slip from Cleveland.


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If the Heat lose, the Cleveland Cavaliers will qualify directly for the semifinals. They would be the second team, after the Oklahoma City Thunder, to secure a spot in the next round. This would give Cleveland a great advantage, as they would have more time to rest and prepare for their next opponent. They would then face the winner of the Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks series.

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Is Darius Garland playing tonight for Cleveland? Cavaliers visit Heat in Game 4 - Bolavip US

As the NBA regular season winds down, the debate over the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award is heating up. While <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/draymond-green">Draymond Green</a> has positioned himself as the frontrunner, Cleveland Cavaliers star Darius Garland has a different take, firmly backing teammate Evan Mobley as the deserving winner.



Green, whose defensive game has flourished since the arrival of Jimmy Butler to Golden State, has declared himself the leading candidate. However, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/darius-garland">Garland</a> believes Mobley’s quiet dominance on the court sets him apart as the true contender for the prestigious award.



After a victory over the Chicago Bulls, Garland appeared to take a subtle dig at Green while passionately explaining why Mobley should claim the DPOY honor. “He doesn’t hack, he doesn’t scream at the refs, he goes [and] blocks shots,” Garland said. “His deflection numbers are off the charts. He guards one through five. I mean, what doesn’t he do? He just doesn’t express it how other people express it”.



Garland seemed to contrast Mobley’s composed demeanor with Green’s fiery on-court personality but was quick to emphasize his teammate’s dominance as a defender.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250411_BUS_374849_draymond-green-28-1024x576_6e48ed86.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-374877" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11163655/draymond-green-28-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11163655/draymond-green-28-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11163655/draymond-green-28-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11163655/draymond-green-28-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11163655/draymond-green-28-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11163655/draymond-green-28-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11163655/draymond-green-28-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/11163655/draymond-green-28.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the face of Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



“That’s just a little bit of my case,” Garland added. “I can go on Twitter and podcasts and do the same thing for my boy. But I’m [going to] let him talk his talk whenever he wants to”.


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<h2>Why Draymond Green believes he deserves DPOY</h2>



In a recent episode of his podcast, The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, the four-time <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> champion outlined why he believes he should take home the DPOY award this season, citing a unique skill set unmatched by others in the league.



“No matter what the situation is for me defensively, I’m fit for it,” Green explained. “I protect the rim, I can guard the pick and roll, I can trap the pick and roll and still guard my man without help, which I think is a skill that I have in the NBA that I don’t think anyone else possesses”.



Green continued, pointing to his basketball IQ as another key factor. “Then also my basketball IQ—I think I see plays way before they happen,” he said. “I can spot something, I can sniff something out in a heartbeat, and I’m quick enough, I’m strong enough to react and address the issue”.


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Cavaliers' Darius Garland throws shade at Draymond Green, backs teammate as true DPOY contender - Bolavip US

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>’s biggest surprise this season, dominating the Eastern Conference with an impressive 36-6 record. Despite a roster filled with young talent, the Cavaliers have firmly established themselves as serious title contenders. Among the key figures in their success is Darius Garland, who recently opened up about his admiration for a Chicago Bulls legend, and it’s not Michael Jordan.



“My rookie year, my first preseason game was against D-Rose when he was in Detroit. I was like, ‘Man, this is insane,&apos;” Garland recalled during an interview on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis. The Cleveland guard immediately elaborated on the deep connection he feels with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/derrick-rose">Derrick Rose</a>, citing the influence of the Bulls legend on his own journey.



“I’m a Gary, Indiana kid, born and raised in Gary, Indiana-by way of Nashville… D-Rose just had the whole region on lock-from Indiana to Chicago, damn near the whole world, not even gonna lie to you,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/darius-garland">Garland</a> explained.



For Darius, Derrick Rose’s rise to stardom in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls">Chicago</a> was a pivotal moment. “That number one jersey-that was the first jersey I had, and that was the only one I had,” the guard shared, referencing the Bulls jersey Rose wore during his 2011 MVP season, a No. 1 jersey that will soon be retired by the Bulls in his honor.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250122_BUS_319549_Rose-1024x576_90035a73.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="errick Rose playing for the Chicago Bulls looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on April 7, 2016" class="wp-image-233145" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Rose-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Rose-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Rose-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Rose-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Rose.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Derrick Rose playing for the Chicago Bulls looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on April 7, 2016</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Derrick Rose’s impact</h2>



Delving into his admiration for Rose, Darius Garland explained how the Bulls legend influenced him and others his age. “The youngest MVP in the league. It just brought so much inspiration for us,” the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers">Cleveland</a> star said. “We used to lower the goal so I could go dunk like D-Rose.”



Darius went on to discuss the qualities that made Derrick Rose such a special player. “He was just relentless-get it by any means necessary,” he said. “He couldn’t shoot it as well, but just his handle, his quickness, and just getting to the paint, shooting a floater, using his athleticism-which I don’t have. Wish I had it.”



<h2>Derrick Rose’s NBA career</h2>



Derrick Rose’s career began with immense promise. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, he quickly became a superstar and the leader of the Chicago Bulls. At the time, the franchise was facing a critical rebuilding phase, a decade after <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a>’s definitive departure.



As Garland noted, Rose made history by becoming the youngest player to win the NBA MVP at just 22 years old and in his third season. However, Derrick’s path was marred by injuries, which hindered his ability to maintain his elite level of play. After seven seasons in Chicago, he left in 2016, spending time with the New York Knicks and several other franchises before retiring in 2024 with the Memphis Grizzlies, never fully recapturing his peak form.


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<h2>Rose’s lasting impact on the game</h2>



Despite his injury struggles, Derrick Rose’s impact on the NBA is undeniable. He remains one of the greatest players in Chicago Bulls history and will soon have his No. 1 jersey hanging in the United Center rafters. More importantly, Rose’s legacy as a trailblazer and inspiration continues to influence a generation of NBA players, like Darius Garland, who now stand as some of the league’s brightest stars.

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Not Michael Jordan: Cleveland’s Darius Garland names Chicago Bulls legend as major inspiration - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> are enjoying an impressive season, one that hasn’t been witnessed since the days of LeBron James. With Donovan Mitchell at the helm, the Cavaliers have surged to a league-best 35-6 record, cementing their status as one of the NBA’s elite teams. Much of this success can be attributed to Mitchell’s leadership and a pivotal conversation with teammate Darius Garland, which laid the foundation for their remarkable growth.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/darius-garland">Garland</a>, who delivered a standout performance in a recent win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, reflected on the team’s journey during an interview on The Draymond Green Show.



“To be completely honest with you, I would say this summer we really got locked in and knew what we wanted to do and accomplish,” Garland shared. “Donovan knew I was upset about last year—not just with my performance but also from a team perspective. We just sat down and talked, really explained to each other what we had to do to win. It was a grown-man conversation, unfolding everything. That was the first grown-man conversation I’ve had in the league so far.”



Cleveland’s success this season is no coincidence. The franchise has taken significant strides, not only in terms of on-court performance but also in fostering chemistry and accountability among its players. Mitchell’s leadership has been pivotal, helping the Cavaliers bounce back after falling short against the Boston Celtics in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250121_BUS_318039_Donovan-Mitchell-Cleveland-Cavaliers-1-1024x576_ed071087.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Donovan Mitchell playing" class="wp-image-274922" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Donovan-Mitchell-Cleveland-Cavaliers-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Donovan-Mitchell-Cleveland-Cavaliers-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Donovan-Mitchell-Cleveland-Cavaliers-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Donovan-Mitchell-Cleveland-Cavaliers-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Donovan-Mitchell-Cleveland-Cavaliers-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Donovan-Mitchell-Cleveland-Cavaliers-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Donovan-Mitchell-Cleveland-Cavaliers-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Donovan-Mitchell-Cleveland-Cavaliers-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls of the Emirates NBA Cup game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 15, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The stats that define growth</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/donovan-mitchell">Mitchell</a>’s individual numbers have slightly dipped—23.1 points and 4.5 assists per game compared to 26.6 points and 6.1 assists last season—but his impact on the Cavaliers transcends stats. He has embraced a leadership role, prioritizing team success over personal accolades.



Meanwhile, Garland has elevated his game, averaging 21.2 points (up from 18.0 last season) and 6.8 assists (up from 6.5). His growth as both a scorer and playmaker has been instrumental in complementing Mitchell’s leadership, solidifying their backcourt as one of the NBA’s most dynamic duos.



<h2>A balanced team effort</h2>



The Cavaliers’ success isn’t just about their stars—it’s the result of contributions across the roster. Cleveland has developed a balanced attack, thriving on both ends of the court. Mitchell’s willingness to share the spotlight and Garland’s improvements have created a cohesive and efficient unit.



<h2>Eyes on the prize</h2>



Last season’s Eastern Conference Finals loss served as a wake-up call for the Cavaliers, fueling their determination to excel this year. With sights set firmly on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Finals, the Cavaliers are proving that strong leadership, accountability, and team chemistry are the keys to unlocking their potential.



If Cleveland continues on this path, they won’t just be remembered for their stars but for embodying the essence of teamwork and resilience—a franchise rising to greatness, one win at a time.

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NBA News: Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell teammate reveals the key to the team's improvement - Bolavip US

The Cleveland Cavaliers solidified their status as one of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>’s top contenders on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 129-122 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. In a clash between two conference leaders, the Cavaliers showcased their depth and team chemistry, sparking bold declarations from stars Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.



“I’m trying to be as humble as possible. But… yeah, I should be an All-Star,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/darius-garland">Garland</a> said in a postgame interview shared by reporter Chris Fedor on his X account. He went on to add, “There should be four of us on this team that are All-Stars.”



Darius’ confidence mirrors the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers">Cavaliers</a>’ impressive form. While he didn’t explicitly name the other three, it’s likely he was referring to teammates Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Donovan Mitchell—all of whom have played pivotal roles in Cleveland’s rise to the top.



The Cavaliers’ performance against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/oklahoma-city-thunder">Oklahoma City</a> underscored their balanced roster. Allen led the team with 25 points, while Mobley added 21, and Garland contributed 18. Mitchell chipped in 11 points, matching Dean Wade, while key bench contributions came from Max Strus and Ty Jerome. The game demonstrated not only the brilliance of Cleveland’s stars but also the depth and versatility of their roster.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250109_BUS_309716_Darius-Garland-1024x576_82e8fa72.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-309719" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates a basket during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 21, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Mitchell praises team growth</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/donovan-mitchell">Donovan Mitchell</a>, a cornerstone of the Cavaliers’ success, lauded the collective effort after the game. Speaking to reporters, Mitchell highlighted how the team’s chemistry has been critical to their success this season. “It just speaks to our growth,” Mitchell said, per ESPN. “I told everybody after the game, as a unit, we don’t win this game last year.”



Mitchell emphasized the team’s ability to rely on contributions from across the roster. “Everybody that came in did something positive to affect the game, whether it was scoring, rebounding, defending, whatever it may be. That’s a team win, and that’s what it’s going to take for us to be the team we want to be.”



The 28-year-old shooting guard was thrilled with the victory, calling it a significant moment in the Cavaliers’ season. “Honestly, man, that’s a big win. I think we’re all excited about it,” Mitchell said. However, he tempered the excitement with perspective, adding, “Obviously, this is one game, and no championships are won tonight, but it’s something to be proud of.”



<h2>What’s next for the Cavaliers?</h2>



The Cleveland Cavaliers’ victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder not only solidified their status as a top contender but also reaffirmed their league-best 32-4 record. However, with the season far from over, the team knows they must remain focused to maintain their position atop the standings.


 

 

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Their next challenge comes quickly, as Cleveland is set to face the Toronto Raptors at home this Thursday. With the Raptors eager to climb the Eastern Conference ladder, the Cavaliers will need to bring the same level of intensity and depth that has propelled them to this dominant start.

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Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland send strong message to NBA after victory over Thunder - Bolavip US

The NBA <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/warriors-news-stephen-curry-steve-kerr-want-andrew-wiggins-to-play-in-nba-all-star-game-20220103-0034.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All-Star </a>Game is always all about the fans. But more often than not, fan votes aren’t exactly fair. Obviously, with that many <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-stephen-curry-and-the-leading-candidates-for-mvp-right-now-20220107-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">talented players</a> in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-james-harden-explains-his-frustration-with-kyrie-irving-and-nets-20220126-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a>, it’s usual to see a couple of big snubs every year for this game.
Something really special happenedthis year in particular. A singer from K-pop band BTS started a campaign to make Andrew Wiggins an NBA All-Star starter, with his fanbase taking over social media to get it done.
And, while the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/steve-kerr-steph-curry-address-his-career-worst-shooting-slump-20220125-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warriors</a> player was having a very solid season, perhaps All-Star starter was a bit of a reach. Moreover, it took a spot away from a player who may have deserved it more. Here, we’re going to let you know about the 5 players that made a case for being All-Star starters but fell short due to fan votes.
<h2>NBA All-Star Game: 5 Players Who Were Snubbed Of A Starting Spot, Ranked</h2>
<h3>5. Darius Garland</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220130_BUS_183289_darius_garland.jpg_22993414_7b9c6d72.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Darius Garland- Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the biggest surprises of the season. Pairing Evan Mobley with Jarrett Allen has done wonders for their defense, and Darius Garland is leading the race for Most Improved Player.
Garland has kept his foot on the gas even after Collin Sexton’s season-ending injury. He’s averaging career-highs in points (19.7) and assists (8.2) per game while shooting 46.7% from the floor. Also, the up-and-coming Cavs are third in the East, against all odds.
<h3>4. Luka Doncic</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220130_BUS_183289_luka_doncic.jpg_22993414_28c631c5.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Luka Doncic- Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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Luka Doncic is one of the biggest fan favorites around the world, so he’s a lock to be an All-Star reserve at least. His game is tailor-made for these kinds of games he’s one of the finest entertainers with his no-look passes and crafty moves.
Doncic is once again near the leaders in all major categories in the league. Thus far, he’s averaging 25.2 points to go along with 8.9 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers per contest.
<h3>3. Devin Booker</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220130_BUS_183289_devin_booker.jpg_22993414_868c6c1d.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Devin Booker- Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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Unsurprisingly, the team with the second-best record in the league didn’t have a single All-Star starter. Once again, the public continues to sleep on small-market teams like the Phoenix Suns, even if they’re coming off a trip to the NBA Finals.
Devin Booker continues to blossom as one of the most efficient and prolific scorers in the league. He’s averaging 25.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while playing winning basketball, yet the fans don’t seem to care.
<h3>2. James Harden</h3>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220130_BUS_183289_james_harden.jpg_22993414_4b87f79c.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> James Harden- Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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We got used to James Harden averaging 30+ points per game like if it was something normal, yet there’s nothing normal about that. Even if his scoring numbers have taken a dip, he’s still an All-Star starter.
Harden is currently leading the league in assists per game (10.1) while averaging 23.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.4 triples. He struggled early in the season but has shouldered a big load as of late with Kevin Durant out and Kyrie Irving in and out of the lineup.
<h3>1. Zach LaVine</h3>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220130_BUS_183289_zach_lavine.jpg_22993414_ddf8ef66.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Zach LaVine – Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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It’s time Zach LaVine finally gets his flowers. He’s way more than just a dunker and is getting better on nearly every aspect of the game as the years go by. Also, he didn’t mind giving up a couple of shots per game to have DeMar DeRozan next to him.
While DeRozan has stolen most of the headlines, LaVine has been as good as him, if not better. Thus far, he’s averaging 24.9 points with 4.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.9 triples per game on 48/40/87 shooting splits.

Zach LaVine, Luka Doncic, and the biggest NBA All-Star starter snubs

Zach LaVine, Luka Doncic, and the biggest NBA All-Star starter snubs - Bolavip US

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