Cavaliers Star Reflects On Season-Altering Injury From Last Year

Cleveland Cavaliers' Darius Garland says being back with his teammates helped him get through last year's jaw injury.

Apr 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) reacts after a basket during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

There will always be an asterisk next to Darius Garland's 2023-24 season because of the broken jaw he suffered in December.

The following months were full of questions for the Cleveland Cavaliers point guard as Garland admitted before this current season started that, at one point, he even lost the joy for basketball because of the injury.

Garland appeared on NBA on ESPN on Tuesday and reflected on this serious injury and what helped him re-discover the joy of the game he grew up playing.

"Just another bump in the road," said Garland. "I mean, adversity always comes with anything that you do in life. It was never in my plans, but God always puts you through tough times. So, I just had to go through that, and I'm glad to be back this year rocking with the guys. We're really rolling right now, and we just have to keep it going."

"I was at home, I couldn't even eat or talk."

Darius Garland reflects with @malika_andrews on his injuries last season and how he rediscovered his joy for basketball with the 12-0 Cavs. pic.twitter.com/zjzdHJrLNb

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 12, 2024

DG revealed that the thing he missed most while sidelined last season and what's helped him get back to playing at a high level is being around his teammates.

"Just being out there with the guys, really. I was just at home [last season], watching them get wins and doing something that they love to do - and I was at home, I couldn't even eat or talk. It just makes a big difference for me being around the guys, being around the coaches. You know, just having laughs and making memories, doing something I really love to do."

Nov 4, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) celebrates after hitting a three point basket during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

A fully healthy Garland has been critical to Cleveland's historic 12-0 start to the 2024-25 season.

DG is currently averaging 20.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists while shooting an efficient 52.6 percent from the field and 45.9 percent from behind the arc.

Clearly, Garland is back to loving the game and is on track for one of his biggest seasons yet from a personal and team perspective.