Game 1? Yeah, it was rough. Pacers 121, Cavs 112. And the final score doesn’t tell half the story. The Cavs were all over the place. Mitchell dropped 33, Mobley was a monster in the paint, but something felt… off. Why? Because Darius Garland wasn’t there. Simple.

Darius Garland’s been out with a toe injury (that’s been haunting him since the first round), and now he’s missed Game 1 of the second round. You could feel it. Without him, Cleveland’s offense was stuck in slow-mo. The ball didn’t move, the pace dragged, and the Cavs’ game plan looked like it was drawn up on a napkin five minutes before tip-off. Garland’s not just another guy on the team for a reason. And that reason? He’s the one who makes everything tick.

The Cavs thrive when he’s out there controlling the tempo, making slick passes, and hitting those clutch shots. Without him? It’s like they forgot how to play basketball. Game 2 isn’t a must-win yet. But it’s close. Real close. And if Garland isn’t back soon, this series might be over before it even starts. Especially when he’s been averaging 20.6 points and 6.7 assists over the 75 games he’s played this season. (Spoiler alert: Keep reading for the news we’ve all been pining for)

And sure, Sam Merrill got the start in his place, but let’s not kid ourselves. Merrill’s no Garland. Merrill can shoot the ball, but he’s not the guy who’s going to break down a defense, pull up for a smooth three, or get the whole squad in sync. The Cavs were forced to grind out possessions, and let’s be honest, it didn’t look good.

To make matters worse for the Cavs, it wasn’t just Tyrese Haliburton doing damage—Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers in scoring with 23 points, just edging out Haliburton’s 22. More impressively, Nembhard posted a team-best +21 net rating. Combine that with Haliburton’s +11, and the Pacers’ backcourt duo is sitting at a dominant +32. Simply put, they’re outclassing Cleveland’s guards—and unless Darius Garland returns soon, this matchup won’t stay competitive for long.

Tyrese Haliburton was putting on a clinic with 13 assists, and Pascal Siakam just went off for 17 points. The Cavs were on their heels the whole time, struggling to get stops, and couldn’t find any rhythm on offense. The Pacers took advantage of Cleveland’s sloppy play and lack of direction. Siakam and Haliburton dominated, leaving the Cavs wondering about their lost momentum. The frustration? It was visible in Cleveland, and it wasn’t just the team that was feeling the impact.

But here’s the good news, Cavs fans: Garland could be back for Game 2. TNT’s Jared Greenberg dropped some hope, saying Garland is feeling “confident” about his return. While his status is still day-to-day, the Cavs are holding on to the hope that their star point guard will be back in action.

Cavs Fans Are Losing It: Darius Garland’s Absence Is Crushing Their Hopes

As the game went on, Cavs fans had a lot to say. And by “a lot,” we mean the frustration was spilling over on X. And honestly, can you blame them? It wasn’t just a tough loss, it was a painful reminder of how much Garland means to this team. One fan summed it up perfectly: “Darius Garland is needed in this game.” No kidding. Without him, the Cavs are a shadow of themselves. The ball sticks, the shots miss, and suddenly it’s a whole different vibe on the court.

But wait, the fan reactions only get more intense. “These type of games are why the Cavs aren’t actually better without Darius Garland. Indy is thriving off misses, and the offensive process has been really bad at times when the refs got in their head. Garland would be controlling the tempo and generating better looks.”

Ouch. If that doesn’t sting, well, then we don’t know what does. Fans aren’t holding back here. They know Garland is the guy to get the offense back on track, and without him? Things are messy. Cleveland’s offense was all over the place. They didn’t have the flow, the creativity, or the confidence that Garland brings when he’s at the helm.

Another fan had the most relatable breakdown: “We NEED Darius Garland.” Yeah, buddy, we all do. You could feel the desperation in that tweet. It’s like watching your favorite superhero fail to show up. Except this time, it’s the guy who runs your team’s offense. And the Pacers are just loving it.

Then came the heartbreaker: “Darius Garland turning out to be a huge loss for @cavs #INDvsCLE.” And boy could the statement BE anymore truer. That loss was huge, and fans are feeling every second of it. Finally, one Cavs fan hit us with the gut punch: “I miss you, Darius Garland.” Fans are really feeling the absence. At this point, it’s not just about missing a player but about missing the one guy who holds it together.

Because, let’s face it, Cleveland needs him. Badly. Garland’s the guy who sets the tempo, controls the flow of the game, and gets the best out of everyone on the court. Without him? The Cavs are just playing catch-up. Game 2 is around the corner, and things are getting real. If Garland can’t go, the Cavs are in for another long night. But if he does return? This game could look a whole lot different. Cleveland can’t afford to drop another one, especially not against a team that’s already flowing with confidence.