The Cleveland Cavaliers currently hold a 2-0 advantage over the Miami Heat in their initial playoff series matchup. A key component of Cleveland`s strategy has been persistently targeting Heat guard Tyler Herro. They`ve attacked him in isolation situations, sought him out using ball screens, and forced him to defend off-ball plays. Following their Game 2 victory on Wednesday, Cavaliers guard Darius Garland informed reporters that the team was specifically focusing on Herro as a defensive weak point. Herro addressed these remarks on Friday, suggesting that Garland isn`t a strong enough defender himself to be making such comments.
When questioned about the appropriateness of a player publicly discussing attacking an opponent`s defensive vulnerability, Herro stated, “Honestly, it`s whatever. It`s all part of the competition. But someone who doesn`t play defense shouldn`t be talking either. He plays zero defense. We`ll find out tomorrow [in Game 3].”
Herro confirmed that there was some verbal back-and-forth between the two guards during the game itself, but implied that he expected the conversation to remain private on the court.
“Bringing game plan details or other things to the media sort of speaks volumes about him,” Herro commented. “My focus isn`t on Darius Garland. I`m concentrated on securing a win in the playoffs, and that`s our objective now that we`re back in Miami.”
Herro also added that Garland`s remarks would not serve as additional motivation for him personally, stating, “I have plenty of motivation within myself, in this locker room, throughout the organization, and in this building. I don`t need any extra drive from that particular player.”
The exchange began when a reporter asked Garland to elaborate on the key factors for the Cavaliers playing clean basketball, specifically avoiding turnovers against the Heat`s defense.
Garland`s specific reply was, “Target Tyler Herro and handle the ball carefully. Avoid playing in congested areas and focus on attacking their weaker defenders. Go at them directly.”
From the author`s perspective, it`s refreshing to see players being candid about tactical approaches, especially when the strategy is as evident as this one. While the author doesn`t entirely agree that Garland offers *zero* defense, it`s acknowledged that the 6-foot-1 guard isn`t renowned as a defensive stopper. Overall, this situation represents a fairly amusing and relatively harmless exchange of words between the two players.
Game 3 of the series is scheduled for Saturday.
Jasper Hawthorne