Darius Garland is adjusting to his new role with the Los Angeles Clippers after joining from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the James Harden trade. The Clippers expect him to lead the pick-and-roll and make smart plays.
In his first two games, he has already made some key contributions. On Wednesday, he played his first game at Crypto.com Arena as a Clipper, helping the team secure a solid 130-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Garland scored 12 points and provided eight assists in 24 minutes, contributing to Los Angeles’ third straight win. Now, he faces the challenge of adjusting to playing alongside Kawhi Leonard, a two-time NBA champion who carries a significant responsibility on the court.
Garland discussed his strategy for playing with Leonard and emphasized his goal of easing the veteran’s workload. “Let Kawhi go be Kawhi. Try to get him some open shots in transition. Do everything so he won’t get double-teamed. He has been through so much this year and throughout his career. If he needs a break, I can make a play for someone else or for myself,” he said.