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:
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Herro defended 50 on-ball screens across Games 1 and 2.
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In Game 2 alone, he defended 32 screens — one of the highest tallies for a guard since tracking began.
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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.
