Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland speak about Garland’s game-winner vs Pistons: ‘It was against our former coach, which made it like 1000 times better’

During an interview with NBA writer Deyscha Smith of SLAM Magazine, Cleveland Cavaliers stars Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland spoke about Garland’s game-winner against the Detroit Pistons. 

Garland hit a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer versus the Pistons on February 5. 

“I was trying to [be] PG all interview,” Mitchell said. “Man, that was a f–k you to everybody. That’s what that was. That pose, all that was on—I’m sorry. I know, I know I shouldn’t swear. I’m trying my best, but like, that’s exactly what that was. I felt that, too. That’s why I went nuts [after]. Somebody was talking smack—I won’t curse again—the whole game and I just felt like, [he had] a lot of pent up, [like], ‘This is what I really do, and y’all really playing with me. And I should have ended the game about 10 minutes prior, but we ain’t gonna talk about that. But like, you know what? Since we’re here, I’m gonna go ahead and do this. Forget the play that we drew up, Coach. I got it.’ So that’s what that was. He ain’t gonna say it like that, but I’m gonna say it.”

Added Garland: “I’ll talk a little bit of sh-t. It was against our former coach, too, which made it like 1000 times better…That was something that was totally different.” 

Mitchell is averaging 23.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists this season, while Garland is averaging 20.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists.

The Cavaliers have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 57-14. They are first in the NBA in points per game and offensive rating under first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson. 

“We really look at the NBA game as, like, it’s 2K for real,” Mitchell said. “He’s never played with a ball-dominant guard, and I haven’t either, so that takes time for us to continue doing what [we do]. [Fifty-one] games the first year. That’s success, and people don’t look at us as that, but that’s success in itself. OK, we failed in the playoffs. Cool, next year, boom. Everybody gets hurt, different things, but we finally win a playoff series, first time. That’s another step. Now we’re at the top of the League, but at the end of the day, this really don’t mean nothing until we do something in the playoffs.”