Donovan Mitchell Sticks Up For Struggling Cavaliers Teammate

It’s been a roller-coaster season for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They started slow out of the gates, found their footing at the end of the calendar year going on an 18-3 stretch, and now they find themselves up against the ropes coming out of the All-Star Break.

Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Donovan Mitchell -  radiozona.com.ar

One player in particular has struggled with consistency all season long for a variety of reasons. Darius Garland’s slow start only got worse when he found out in the middle of December he fractured his jaw which would sideline him the next month and a half.

Since returning from the injury in late January, DG’s struggles have been a target by Cavs fans looking for something to explain the team’s

Garland’s backcourt counterpart doesn’t want to hear a single negative word about DG’s stats. Donovan Mitchell sounded off to the media on Thursday about the narrative surrounding the Cavaliers point guard.

“The way people have been talking is f- ridiculous,” said Mitchell. “It’s bulls—. It’s not fair … I’m on social media and I feel like people aren’t giving him the benefit of the doubt. I want to speak on that because I think it’s bulls—. At the end of the day, he is a kid that has proven himself, not only to the Cleveland fanbase but this league as well. They’re ready to rag on a kid for, what, one half of a season? I think that is b.s.”

Quote Credit: Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com

Since returning from his injury at the end of January, Garland is averaging 14.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 46% from the floor and 32% from behind the arc. The Cavaliers as a team are 9-3 during that stretch.

The animosity toward Garland has been harsh. Remember, this is a player who was on a liquid-only diet, lost 10 pounds, and regained that weight back during his injury rehab. That’s a lot to take on physically never mind the whole basketball part.

There’s a reason that Cleveland decided to sign DG to a long-term extension. He’s proven himself as an All-Star-level point guard and, as Mitchell said, deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Related Posts

NBA Insider Says LeBron James Is Unlikely To Get Involved In Lakers Coaching Search

After firing former coach Darin Ham, the Lakers are already hard at work narrowing down the candidates for his replacement. According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, LeBron James…

Warriors labelled best fit should 14x All-Star wish to be traded again

The Golden State Warriors-Kevin Durant reunion speculation continues to brew despite no indication from the 14x All-Star that he’s looking to move from the Phoenix Suns. Regardless,…

Mavericks forward pulled off epic troll job against Clippers amid heated series

The Dallas Mavericks knocked off the LA Clippers in six games in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs to advance to the second round to…

Rich Paul Talks LeBron James’ Future as Lakers Head to Pivotal Summer

Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul hinted at how many NBA seasons are left for his top client and close friend LeBron James as the Los Angeles Lakers head to a pivotal…

Thunder’s cocky approach to guarding Luka Doncic could come back to bite them

Later today, the Dallas Mavericks open up their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road. The Thunder are not necessarily an easy matchup for Dallas considering they’re…

Lakers’ LeBron James drops honest review of Warriors’ Draymond Green’s ‘biggest asset’

The Golden State Warriors may not have reached the playoffs this season, but they still have one of great core – headed by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Lakers…