Cavaliers’ Key Players Return from Injury, Boost Team’s Chances in Playoff Series
The Cleveland Cavaliers have received a significant boost with the return of three key players – Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter – from injury, as they look to stay alive in their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers. According to the New York Times, all three players missed at least one game due to their respective injuries, but they all returned for Game 3 on Friday, helping the Cavaliers secure a 126-104 win.
The Cavaliers’ coach, Kenny Atkinson, expressed his relief at having his players back on the court, saying, "We (only) get one day recovery here, so a quick turnaround. Just hope they can … be ready to go (Sunday)." The team’s performance in Game 3 was impressive, with Mobley leading the way with 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and three steals. As the New York Times reports, "Mobley caught lobs and slammed them home, and at least two of his blocks were of the soaring variety; Mobley met teardrop shots high in the sky before they were on their way down, to avoid a goaltend."
Garland, who has been dealing with a sprained left big toe since the end of Game 2 against the Miami Heat, scored 10 points but shot only 3 of 11 and committed four turnovers. Despite this, his presence on the court was crucial, as he allowed Donovan Mitchell to focus on scoring rather than handling the ball. The New York Times notes that Garland’s return was vital in helping the Cavaliers get the ball up the court, which they struggled with in Game 2.
Hunter, who sprained his thumb in Game 1 against the Pacers, scored 8 points and shot 2-of-6 in about 21 minutes of play. While his performance may have been difficult to measure, his return was still important for the team. As Max Strus said, "We appreciate them fighting through whatever they’re going through. We’re grateful for them, and hopefully they can do it again on Sunday."
The Cavaliers’ injury management has been a topic of discussion, with some fans and analysts questioning why players were listed as "questionable" for games when they were unlikely to play. Garland addressed this issue after Friday’s win, saying, "Y’all don’t understand what I’m going through. I mean, everybody has their opinion. I’m going out there and playing basketball. Everybody has their nicks and bruises around this time. So, going out and trying to win the series." Atkinson also defended the team’s approach, saying, "I think the 2-0 situation, he had to push through a lot tonight. So, hopefully he recovers. Even if we can get 15 to 20 minutes from him, we need it. We need another ballhandler. He can create separation, he can create advantages, even if it’s not going to be perfect with the way his health is right now."
Mobley, who was determined to play in Game 3 after missing Game 2 due to his ankle injury, said he wasn’t surprised by his performance. "I definitely couldn’t" play in Game 2, he said, but he was comfortable at practice on Thursday and at the morning shootaround on Friday. Atkinson praised Mobley’s performance, saying that he looked like the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a young man who is about to learn he was voted onto an All-NBA team.
The Cavaliers will look to continue their momentum in Game 4 on Sunday, with Atkinson hoping that his team’s key players will stay healthy and help them mount a comeback in the series. As Atkinson said, "We’re a different team out there," with Garland, Mobley, and Hunter in uniform. The team’s chances of becoming the sixth NBA team to lose the first two games at home but eventually win the series remain alive, and they will look to build on their impressive performance in Game 3.
(Source: New York Times)
