Darius Garland Out for Game 3, Faces Criticism from TNT Crew

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland faced criticism from NBA legends Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal after being ruled out of Game 3 against the Miami Heat due to a toe injury, just days after calling out Heat guard Tyler Herro as a weak defender. The TNT crew, particularly Barkley, questioned Garland’s decision to publicly challenge Herro and then miss the subsequent game, emphasizing that players should back up their words on the court. Barkley pointed out that Herro, despite being labeled a poor defender, scored 34 points in Game 2 and deserved more respect. Shaq and Barkley agreed that revealing a team’s game plan and then not playing undermines credibility and fuels opponents’ motivation. The timing of Garland’s injury and absence sparked debate about accountability and the risks of trash talk in the playoffs. With Garland sidelined, the Cavaliers must adjust their lineup as they attempt to maintain their series lead.