CAVS' GARLAND SUFFERS NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO EYE IN OPENER
OKBET BALL SPORTS : Darius Garland, an All-Star guard for the Cavaliers, took a shot to the face in Cleveland’s season-opening defeat to Toronto, but he walked away without any permanent damage to his left eye.
On Wednesday night, Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. accidentally stabbed Garland trying for a steal, causing a cut inside his eyelid.
Garland, age 22, dropped out of the squad on Thursday to have his eyes evaluated at the Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute. The Cavaliers have said that he will be re-evaluated over the course of the next two days.
Garland will probably sit out of Saturday’s game in Chicago for Cleveland. Sunday is the Cavaliers’ first home game, against the Wizards.
Garland was seen by Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff before the team flew to Chicago from Canada, where they had been practicing.
Bickerstaff said, “It does not look beautiful,” in reference to Garland’s eye. If you are struck in the corner of your eye, your eyeball will become puffy and bloodshot. You can only pray for his recovery.
Garland fell to the ground after being stabbed and stayed there for some minutes before being assisted up and making his way slowly to the dressing room. The Cavaliers defeated 108-105 despite having Garland out for three quarters.
In 13 minutes of play, Garland had 4 points and 3 assists before going down with an injury. For the first time, he suited up with All-Star Donovan Mitchell, who was acquired in a deal with Utah during the summer.
Bickerstaff said he was unaware that Garland had eyesight issues.
But the eye’s closed, he replied. Closing one eye makes it difficult to see. He can see, but only when he can keep his eye open.
Bickerstaff, who spent much of last season dealing with injuries, may have to reshuffle his starting lineup if Garland is sidelined for a few games. Bickerstaff has a lot to choose from, including experienced backup Raul Neto, and will likely base his pick on how well the Cavs match up with their opponent.
As a result of Garland’s development, the Cavaliers improved their win total by 22 games last season. He finished the year averaging 21.7 points and 8.6 assists per game. Following his first All-Star selection in July, Cleveland extended his deal for a total of $193 million over five years.
