SAN FRANCISCO — It’s not how you start your LA Clippers debut; it’s how you finish it. Darius Garland, a former two-time All-Star with the Cleveland Cavaliers, faced a challenging first assignment for the Clippers as he came off the bench for the first time in nearly five years. Coming into the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, Garland was on a minutes restriction due to injuries. The first quarter proved difficult, as he lost his dribble to small forward Moses Moody and committed several turnovers against the Warriors’ aggressive defense.
“Yeah, I wasn’t expecting to get a blitz after a month off,” Garland remarked postgame, his legs resting in a bucket of ice water at his locker. “But Steve Kerr always got something up under his sleeve.” Despite a scoreless first quarter, Garland found his rhythm later in the game, showcasing his potential after being traded for future Hall of Famer James Harden on February 4.
Garland’s performance, which included 12 points, two assists, and a steal in 23 minutes, helped the Clippers rally from a 14-point halftime deficit to secure a significant 114-101 victory over the Warriors. The Clippers outscored Golden State 72-45 in the second half, dominating in the paint 40-14. This victory was crucial as it closed the gap in the playoff race.
Second Half Surge
Garland’s transformation in the second half was a key factor in the Clippers’ success. After trailing 56-42 at halftime, Clippers’ head coach Tyronn Lue made adjustments that allowed Garland to operate more freely. “In the second half, the adjustment was just single pick, middle of the floor, let him go either way, let him operate, and that’s what really turned him loose,” Lue explained.
Garland’s contributions were notable, especially considering he had only played in 26 games this season due to toe injuries. In contrast, All-Star small forward Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 23 points, extending his streak of scoring at least 20 points to 38 consecutive games. Kris Dunn similarly had an impressive game, contributing 16 points, seven rebounds, and several assists.
Garland Finds His Groove
Garland struggled initially, but his first basket—a pull-up 3-pointer after using a Brook Lopez screen—marked a turning point. “I was like, ‘All right, I think I knocked the cobwebs off a little bit,’” he reflected after the game. His ability to score and assist in the second half helped shift the momentum. All of his minutes in the second half were played alongside Leonard or Dunn, which proved beneficial as the Clippers outscored the Warriors by 16 points during this time.
“That second half, that’s when it really started rolling,” Garland noted. “KD came in, got some really considerable steals. Jordan … Yanic played his butt off. And ‘whi gonna be ‘whi, of course.” His confidence grew as he adapted to his new teammates, particularly Dunn, whom he described as feeling like “big bro.”
Looking Ahead
Garland’s debut with the Clippers was not just a personal milestone; it also held significance for his family. He debuted for a franchise that his father, Winston, played for, making the moment even more special. Moving forward, Garland aims to increase his playing time as he continues to recover from his injuries. Lue mentioned that it could be another week or two before he joins the starting lineup, but he is optimistic about Garland’s future contributions.
As the Clippers gear up for a busy March, Garland’s next challenge will be his home debut against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Following that, the team will face the San Antonio Spurs in a nationally televised game, before taking on the Memphis Grizzlies. “Just getting adjusted to L.A., getting to recognize the guys, getting to know the staff, everybody around the organization, and just trying to get back to me,” Garland said. “Yeah, man, it’s decent getting out there with the guys for sure. Especially getting a win, my first win with the Clips. It’s a blessing.”
