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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miniaturas

<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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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>
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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_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>
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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_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>
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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_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.

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