In a crucial Game 5 against the Orlando Magic, the Cleveland Cavaliers needed someone to step up and ignite their offense. Enter Darius Garland. The young guard, who had been facing criticism for his recent performances, came out firing in the first quarter, scoring a remarkable 17 points.
Garland shot an impressive 75% from the field, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. This explosive performance not only marked a personal milestone for Garland but also etched his name in the Cavaliers’ playoff history books. His 17 points in a single quarter rank as the fifth-highest scoring quarter in franchise postseason history.
The significance of Garland’s outburst was not lost on his teammates, who had been urging him to be more aggressive on offense. In a post-game interview with The Athletic, Garland revealed, “They want me to shoot more. They think I’m not as aggressive right now.” It seems that Garland took those words to heart and responded in a big way when his team needed him the most.
With this stellar performance, Garland not only silenced his critics but also provided a much-needed spark for the Cavaliers. As they look to turn the tide in the series, Garland’s explosive first quarter in Game 5 could be the turning point they were searching for. As the Cavs continue their playoff journey, all eyes will be on Garland to see if he can maintain this level of play and lead his team to victory.