The two-man game is James Harden’s bread and butter, but when the LA Clippers traded him at the deadline, there were questions about how this aspect of their play would fare. Enter Darius Garland, who, as revealed by agent Rich Paul on the ‘Game Over’ podcast with Max Kellerman, ranks at the top of the league in decision-making out of the pick-and-roll. This unexpected twist has turned a seemingly one-sided trade into a masterstroke for the Clippers.
Garland has seamlessly stepped into the role of primary ball-handler for the Clippers, particularly excelling in the pick-and-roll. His ability to make plays has translated into crucial wins, which is exactly what the Clippers need.
His success in the two-man game is built on chemistry. While Garland shone with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his transition to the Clippers has been nothing short of impressive. Despite not teaming up with Ivica Zubac, Garland has found synergy with teammates like Yanic Konan Niederhauser before his injury, and more notably with Brook Lopez, Isaiah Jackson, and John Collins.
Garland’s connection with the Clippers’ frontcourt has been pivotal. They’ve developed an instinctive understanding of positioning and timing, catching defenses off guard for high-quality shot attempts. This kind of regular-season repetition is crucial for postseason success.
Moreover, Garland has developed a smooth pick-and-pop dynamic with Lopez. His precise passing puts the ball right in the shooter’s pocket, setting up quick three-pointers with ease.
In picking up where Harden left off, Garland has ensured there’s no dip in the Clippers' passing game. This realization has been a game-changer for LA, proving that the trade was exactly what they needed.