The Cleveland Cavaliers’ first-round playoff battle with the Miami Heat has exploded into a full-blown war of words after Darius Garland and Tyler Herro exchanged verbal jabs following Cleveland’s Game 2 victory.
Garland Calls Out Herro’s Defense
After Cleveland’s 121-112 win on Wednesday night, Garland didn’t mince words about the Cavs’ offensive game plan:
“Pick on Tyler Herro,” Garland said. “Take care of the ball, don’t play in tight spaces, and pick on their weak defenders.&
Garland, averaging 24.0 points on 52% shooting through two games, admitted the Cavaliers have targeted Herro relentlessly, particularly through pick-and-roll sets.
GeniusIQ tracking revealed:
-
Herro defended 50 on-ball screens across Games 1 and 2.
-
In Game 2 alone, he defended 32 screens, one of the highest tallies for a guard since tracking began.
-
Cleveland shot 58% (18-of-31) when Herro was the primary defender.
Herro Fires Back: “He Don’t Play No D”
When asked Friday about Garland’s comments, Herro fired back:
“To go to the media to talk about the game plan and this and that says a lot about him. I’m not worried about Darius Garland. Somebody that doesn’t play defense shouldn’t be talking either.&
Herro, who scored 33 points in Game 2, said he didn’t need extra motivation:
“I have enough fuel in me, in this locker room, around the organization, in the building. I don’t need any fuel from that guy over there.&
Bam Adebayo: “We All Take It Personally”
Heat captain Bam Adebayo made it clear Garland’s words have rallied Miami’s locker room:
“Obviously, he said what he said. We all take that personally.&
Adebayo emphasized the Heat plan to respond both emotionally and physically when the series shifts to Miami.
Garland Ruled Out for Game 3
In a major twist, the Cavaliers announced Friday that Darius Garland will miss Game 3 due to a sprained left big toe.
Without their starting point guard, Cleveland will face an even tougher task in Miami as the Heat aim to capitalize on both momentum, and motivation.
