Cleveland Cavaliers Hit with $250,000 Fine for Garland DNP

UPDATE: The Cleveland Cavaliers have been fined $250,000 by the NBA for violating the league’s player participation policy. This penalty comes after All-Star guard Darius Garland was rested during a nationally televised game against the Toronto Raptors on November 24, 2023.

This marks the second time this season the Cavaliers have faced fines for similar violations. Just days earlier, on November 18, the team was levied a $100,000 fine for resting both Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley against the Miami Heat on November 12.

The league confirmed that Garland was available to play in the back-to-back set, having taken the court on November 23 against the LA Clippers. However, he did not participate in the following night’s game in Toronto, which was broadcast on Peacock in the U.S. and Sportsnet in Canada. As a star player, his absence drew significant scrutiny from fans and officials alike.

The Raptors capitalized on the Cavaliers’ short roster, extending their winning streak to eight games with a decisive 110-99 victory. In addition to Garland, Cleveland was also without De’Andre Hunter (rest) and Jarrett Allen (sprained finger), further impacting their performance.

This development raises questions about the Cavaliers’ strategy as they navigate a demanding season. With ongoing scrutiny from the league, fans are left wondering how this will affect the team’s playoff aspirations. The Cavaliers will need to adjust quickly as they prepare for upcoming matchups.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.