The Cleveland Cavaliers dropped a heartbreaker to the Miami Heat on Monday night, falling 140-138 in overtime during a game that had everything—clutch shots, turnovers, and ultimately, a tough injury setback. Darius Garland, the team's dynamic point guard and two-time All-Star, had just returned from missing the first seven games due to toe surgery, only to exit early in the second half with what looks like a re-aggravation of that same left big toe issue. It's the kind of news that makes you wonder if the Cavs' early-season momentum is about to hit a snag.
Garland managed 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals before limping off, but his absence clearly rattled Cleveland's rhythm in the closing stages. The Heat, riding hot streaks from their own stars, capitalized on every miscue to steal the win in a contest that went down to the wire. Now, heading into Wednesday's rematch in Miami, the Cavaliers are severely shorthanded. Garland's officially ruled out, and so is Donovan Mitchell, leaving the backcourt thinner than ideal just as the team tries to build chemistry.
This isn't just about one game; it's a reminder of how fragile these high-stakes NBA battles can be, especially when key players like Garland are pushing through recovery. The Cavs showed grit, pushing Miami to extra time despite the odds, but injuries like this could test their depth all season. With the Eastern Conference heating up, how might Cleveland regroup without their usual spark?
