Garland makes his 3-Point Contest debut.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be well-represented on NBA All-Star Weekend as Darius Garland is set to compete in his first 3-Point Contest.
Remember when Darius Garland was hesitant to confirm his participation in the 2025 Skills Challenge with Donovan Mitchell, who hinted at the possibility on Jan. 30?
The #Cavs’ PG will compete in the 3-point Contest at All-Star weekend instead. #LetEmKnowhttps://t.co/2hpGQyLPe2
— Ethan Sands (@EjElite1) February 7, 2025
Garland is joined by fellow All-Stars Cade Cunnigham, Jalen Brunson, Damian Lillard and Tyler Herro. The contest is rounded out by Cam Johnson, Buddy Hield and Norman Powell. Milwaukee’s Lillard won the contest last year.
Of the group, Garland has the second highest three-point percentage. He’s always been an efficient shooter but this season’s 42.9% clip is a career-best for Garland. If there was ever a season for him to be crowned 3-Point champion, this would be it.
NBA 3-point contest participants 3P% this season:
Powell — 43.1
Garland — 42.9
Johnson — 41.7
Brunson — 39.7
Herro — 39.3
Dame — 37.9
Buddy — 37.1
Cade — 35.4Who you got? pic.twitter.com/9Mk0inT3tT
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 7, 2025
Garland won’t be alone on Saturday night. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley will begin the night in the Skills Challenge against other duos across the league. Notably, Mobley already won the Challenge in 2021 when he, Garland and Jarrett Allen competed together in Cleveland.
All three of Garland, Mobley and Mitchell will play in the main event on Sunday. Garland and Mobley will suit up for Team Kenny while Mitchell is the sole American player on Team Chuck.
Here are the 2025 NBA All-Star teams ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/oHfT4Gzo8p
— J.E. Skeets (@jeskeets) February 7, 2025
The Cavaliers trio is well-deserving of their All-Star berth and at their current win pace, they may even contend for positions on this year’s All-NBA teams. Mitchell is a lock — but Garland and Mobley should not be far behind them. Their contribution to this 41-10 season can not go underappreciated.
As for Garland, his reputation as one of the league’s most efficient floor generals has finally landed him some recognition. He buried a game-winning bomb from the logo just a few days ago. If he shoots like that, this year’s 3-Point contest might be easy to predict.