When it came to Darius Garland, the LA Clippers were tested with patience. They waited weeks, took every precaution, even minor ones, and ensured his toes were healed to prevent any further hiccups. It was essentially a meticulous process, and now the Clippers are on the receiving end of their efforts paying off.
Against the Memphis Grizzlies, Garland, still on a minutes restriction, recorded 21 points, six assists, and four rebounds, in his first start, helping the Clippers win by three on the tail-end of a back-to-back.
As he was nothing short of special, the fanbase is learning why the organization preferred the two-time All-Star to take his sweet time in recovery: he is one of the best point guards in the league talent-wise, but only at full health.
Darius Garland returned the LA Clippers' favor of waiting on him
The LA Clippers already know the type of reward that can come from a slow and precise recovery with Kawhi Leonard, so they executed the same steps with Darius Garland. As a result, a familiar outcome transpired, and it was all on display versus the Memphis Grizzlies.
Though he did nearly everything right, what stood out most was the twitchiness, change of speed, and rapid hesitation moves within his handle. The 26-year-old continuously fooled and froze the defense, despite possessions in which they played him perfectly, which opened up driving and passing lanes for easy shot attempts.
This is the version of Garland fans saw on the highlight reels in Cleveland Cavaliers threads, and it’s finally come to the Clippers.
Garland did more, though, and the facts keep the story effective and simple: he was productive in crunch-time in a three-point win, scoring 11 points on four of seven shooting in the fourth.
How did he do it? Through quick decision-making, defensive reads, and confidence to live up to the moment. He clearly has a clutch gene, if it wasn’t already known around the league, and it will inevitably come in handy next to Kawhi Leonard and Bennedict Mathurin.
The next step for Garland is to demonstrate consistency. It’s possible, and will keep him on the path for a successful first playoff run with the Clippers.
But, for now, LA must live in the moment and enjoy what Garland is bringing to the table. Given that it’s been a long time coming, none of it should be taken for granted.