After more than six weeks, the Cleveland Cavaliers are finally getting back to full strength. Point guard Darius Garland, who suffered a broken jaw on December 14th, is set to make his return to the court tonight against the Detroit Pistons. This is excellent news for the Cavaliers, who have been on a hot streak, winning 10 of their last 11 games and making significant strides in the Eastern Conference standings.
Garland's return comes at a crucial time for the team, as they have been without both him and forward Evan Mobley for nearly two months. The Cavaliers have managed to impressively go 15-4 during this period, but having Garland and Mobley back will undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost in talent and depth.
Georges Niang, a forward for the Cavaliers, expressed his excitement about having Garland and Mobley back in the lineup. He acknowledged their importance to the team's success and their ability to 'put us over the hump from a talent standpoint.' While the Cavaliers managed to survive without them, Niang emphasized how thrilled the team is to have them back.
Darius Garland, now in his fifth season, was off to a remarkable start before his injury. In the 20 games he played, he averaged 20.7 points and 5.9 assists per game. His ability to score and distribute the ball was sorely missed, and his return will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the Cavaliers' offense.
Garland's injury was unexpected and occurred during what appeared to be a routine play. While driving to the basket, he inadvertently collided with Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis, resulting in a fractured jaw that required surgery. Garland's recovery involved having his jaw wired shut for a month, limiting him to a liquid diet. Over the past two weeks, he has been gradually regaining strength and putting on the weight he lost during his recovery.
Although Garland will have limited minutes initially as he works his way back into game shape, his return is a positive sign for the Cavaliers. After facing the Pistons tonight, the Cavaliers have a back-to-back road game against the Memphis Grizzlies and the San Antonio Spurs. These upcoming contests will provide valuable opportunities for Garland to reacclimate himself to the rhythm of the game.
In summary, the return of Darius Garland to the Cleveland Cavaliers' lineup is a significant development for the team. With their star point guard back on the court, alongside the returning Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers are poised to continue their impressive run in the Eastern Conference. Garland's scoring ability and playmaking skills will undoubtedly bolster the team's offense, and his presence will be crucial as they aim to climb even higher in the standings.
