Cavs’ Darius Garland Talks Of Paying Homage To Father In 3-Point Contest

The Cavaliers came oh-so-close to adding another trophy to their collection on NBA All-Star Saturday night, but Darius Garland fell just short in the 3-Point Contest.

Garland, who lit it up with a first-round score of 24, seemed poised to carry that momentum into the final. But despite his best efforts, he couldn’t replicate that magic in the second round, managing only 19 points.

That opened the door for Heat guard Tyler Herro to snatch the victory, as he matched Garland’s 24 in the finals and edged out the Warriors’ Buddy Hield by a single point.

It’s worth noting, however, the heartwarming tribute Garland paid to his father Winston Garland, a seven-year NBA vet, by rocking a custom No. 22 Cavs jersey. This wasn’t the first time a Cavs player has done something like this. Last season, Donovan Mitchell donned a “Money Merrill” jersey for Sam Merrill in a similar act of homage.

“He had a career here (at Golden State, which is hosting All-Star Weekend),” Garland told reporters of his father. “So I just wanted to honor him and put his No. 22 on my jersey.”

For the record, Winston Garland played college ball at Southwest Missouri State under late legendary coach Charlie Spoonhour and dominated Cleveland State in the old AMCU-8. That’s when the Vikings made a run to the NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen in the mid-1980s.

As for Darius Garland, he joins a long line of Cavalier greats who have made their mark in the 3-Point Contest — Mark Price (twice) and Kyrie Irving both took home titles.

The 12-year drought since a Cavs player last won will continue for at least another year, but the future is bright for Garland, Mitchell, and the rest of this talented squad.

Garland will join Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and the Cavs coaching staff in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, where they’ll look to continue building momentum in a season that’s been full of promise. 

“We have three All-Stars in the same game from one team,” Garland said. “I think that’s super cool.”

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