Cavs' 'Tall Ball' Lineup Thrives Without Star Darius Garland

Terry Pluto explores why Garland may be more valuable coming off the bench to boost the team's defense and scoring punch

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:07pm

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have surged up the Eastern Conference standings with a 16-7 record during star guard Darius Garland's absence this season, compared to 13-13 with him. This success has sparked debate about Garland's role, as the team has thrived with a defense-first approach featuring bigger lineups that control the paint and boards. Columnist Terry Pluto suggests Garland could excel in a sixth-man role, providing instant offense off the bench and reducing the physical toll on his injury-prone body, while allowing the team's 'tall ball' identity to shine.

Why it matters

The Cavaliers' success without their max-contract guard Darius Garland raises questions about his optimal role on the team. The team's defensive-minded, size-focused approach has been more effective, suggesting Garland's scoring talents may be better utilized coming off the bench to provide a scoring punch for the second unit.

The details

With Garland sidelined, the Cavaliers have held opponents to around 109 points per game, significantly below the league average of 118. In seven of their eight recent wins, they've held opponents to just 104 points or less. The team has also shifted away from over-relying on 3-point shooting to a more balanced approach that utilizes their size advantage with lineups featuring Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley and Dean Wade alongside Donovan Mitchell.

  • This season, the Cavaliers have a 16-7 record during Garland's absence, compared to 13-13 with him.
  • Two years ago, when Garland missed a fair amount of time, the Cavaliers went 17-8 without him.

The players

Darius Garland

The Cavaliers' max-contract star guard who has struggled with injuries and consistency this season.

Jarrett Allen

The Cavaliers' starting center who has been part of the team's successful 'tall ball' lineups.

Evan Mobley

The Cavaliers' starting power forward who has been part of the team's successful 'tall ball' lineups.

Dean Wade

The Cavaliers' starting small forward who has been part of the team's successful 'tall ball' lineups.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' star shooting guard who has been part of the team's successful 'tall ball' lineups.

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What they’re saying

“When Garland's played this year, they're 13-13. When he's been out, they're 16-7. And two years ago, when Garland missed a fair amount of time... without him, they went 17-8.”

— Terry Pluto, Columnist (cleveland.com)

“Players like Garland, who's kind of smaller and kind of thin, but can score some, they tend to thrive being that instant offense off the bench.”

— Terry Pluto, Columnist (cleveland.com)

What’s next

As the Cavaliers embark on a five-game Western Conference road trip, the question of Darius Garland's role upon return looms large. With Evan Mobley now sidelined by a calf injury, the team will face additional challenges to maintain their defensive dominance.

The takeaway

The Cavaliers' success without their star guard Darius Garland suggests the team may be better served by having him come off the bench, where he can provide a scoring punch for the second unit while allowing the team's defense-first, 'tall ball' identity to thrive.