CLEVELAND, Ohio — At one point in his career, before a miserable season temporarily wrecked his reputation, Darius Garland was known as “Mr. Fourth Quarter.”
That nickname is fitting once again.
Garland, who grew up revering Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard — two other late-game assassins — has been one of the league’s best players in clutch situations this season.
He is 11th in total clutch points — accumulated within the last five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime where the score is within five points — while shooting 25 of 43 (58.1%) from the field, 8 of 13 (61.5%) from 3-point range and 27 of 31 (87.1%) from the free-throw line. Those numbers include a running 31-foot game-winner on Feb. 5 against the Detroit Pistons.
He also has 17 assists against just three turnovers while the Cavs are an NBA-best plus-88 with him on the floor in those situations.
“The game is just slowing down,” Garland said. “Just have to get to my spots and try to figure out what me and (Donovan Mitchell) want to do late in games on the offensive end because we will both have the ball in our hands. Try to create and make plays for others, figure out what we can do and what is best for the entire group.”
It’s working. The Cavs have become the league’s preeminent group of closers. They are 43-3 when leading at halftime. They are 47-0 when up entering the fourth quarter.
“Having those tough times from last year in previous moments where I didn’t think I was so good and going back and watching them and seeing what I can do better,” Garland explained when asked about what’s changed late in games. “The experience of having so many close games like last year and the years before, it’s helped get me accustomed to what I really want to get to in those moments.”
So, what was Garland’s primary takeaway from those offseason film sessions?
“Getting a shot on goal. That’s most important,” he replied. “Get a good shot instead of turning the ball over or forcing it. That’s the most important thing.”
Seems simple enough. But his carelessness and nonchalance were both problematic during close games last season.
In 101 clutch minutes, Garland coughed the ball up 10 times while dishing out 15 assists — not exactly a flattering ratio for a high-usage franchise point guard. There was a staggering lack of efficiency as well, with Garland going 13 of 45 (28.9%) from the field, 6 of 20 (30%) from beyond the arc and 18 of 21 (85.7%) from the foul line. His plus-minus (0) ranked outside the top 150 and the Cavs were 18th in those situations, outscored by 5.3 points per 100 possessions.
This year, no team has been better, boasting a mind-blowing net rating of 38.6.
Countless factors are contributing to this turnaround. The coaching change — Kenny Atkinson is a forward-thinking problem solver and better late-game tactician than his predecessor. A deeper, more talented roster. A less predictable offensive system with continuous movement, random cutting, spacing, cohesiveness and flow. Better synergy between Garland and Mitchell. Maybe some luck?
It’s all played a part. But Garland’s individual evolution can’t be ignored, especially given his responsibility within the offense.
“Failure, being knocked down makes you better,” Atkinson said. “From my perspective, (Garland) has been stellar — from Game 1. He’s got everything. The character. The skills. The shooting. And this is with Donovan too, they are elite free throw shooters. You need to make free throws at the end of the game. That helps you close out games.”
Atkinson’s confidence in Mitchell and Garland has led to him repeatedly fouling up three in the final seconds, keeping the opponent from getting a game-tying attempt and turning the final few possessions into a proverbial free-throw contest. Atkinson also admitted that he will foul up six at times — a strategy that theoretically keeps a two-possession game from becoming a one-possession game on a single trip down the floor.
“Obviously, our shot making has been really good and Darius is a big part of that,” Atkinson said. “Not to give him the sole credit there, but confidence, we’ve got a lot of guys playing with confidence, shooting the ball well. I’m also happy because our clutch defense is good too. We’re good in the clutch offensively and defensively. But I’d say confidence and shot making are the two big things there.
“I just love his spirit and the joy he plays with even in the tense moments. He’s been incredible in the clutch. It seems like at the end of the game he wants to make the big plays. He’s been our big-play guy at the end of the game all year.”
It could lead to him becoming the NBA’s third ever Clutch Player of the Year.