Cleveland Cavs guard Darius Garland was named one of the seven reserves for the Eastern Conference All-Star reserves before Thursday’s 137-115 win against the Atlanta Hawks. Garland will join his teammate Donovan Mitchell, named a starter, for next month’s All-Star Game in San Francisco. After finishing with 26 points, seven assists, and two steals in Thursday’s win, Darius reacted to his second All-Star career selection.
After the game, Garland discussed how fortunate he is to be heading to the star-studded event, given the fact he suffered from a jaw fracture last year.
“I wasn’t expecting it, but I’m glad it happened. It means a lot to me. This time last year, I wasn’t even talking,” Garland said. “I wasn’t eating. Just to be here, I’m super blessed. It means a lot to me and the team. I mean, this is a team award. Had a great start. A 15-0 start. Now, we’re here. Now, we’re All-Stars.”
Garland joins Milwaukee Bucks’ guard Damian Lillard, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, and Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro in the backcourt. Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown, Indiana Pacers’ Pascal Siakam, and Darius’ frontcourt teammate Evan Mobley was also announced as a reserve.
This is the fourth time in franchise history that the Cavs have earned three NBA All-Star selections (1989, 1993, 2017). Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson was named a head coach of the event.
Kenny Atkinson’s Darius Garland, Stephen Curry comparision
David Richard-Imagn
Cavs All-Star Darius Garland was compared to Stephen Curry by his head coach Kenny Atkinson recently. The former Warriors assistant coach explained how Garland’s two-way approach to the game and growth as a dominant guard shares similarities with Curry’s career.
Atkinson shared his take in comparing the two guards, per Cleveland.com’s Ethan Stands.
“To me, that’s probably, as a star status, a superstar status is being able to do it both ends. And that was the Steph physical improvement we saw,” Atkinson said. “[We] saw the pictures of Steph when he was young. I know when I was with him in ’22, you couldn’t pick on him. He could guard [Jayson] Tatum. He could guard Jaylen Brown. You could switch with him. He could hold his own and then do it on the other end.
“That’s gonna be Darius. And that’s what he’s doing right now with his habits and how he’s getting stronger.”
The 2025 NBA All-Star Game and its new tournament-style format will be played on February 16 in San Francisco.
