Skip to content

Cavs reflect on progress this season after losing out on playoff spot

Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty

After their season came to a close with a loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the play-in tournament on Friday, members of the Cleveland Cavaliers reflected on the team's tremendous progress in 2021-22.

All-Star guard Darius Garland, in particular, was pleased with how his team significantly exceeded outside expectations.

"I think all of us are disappointed. Didn't want to end the season like this, but a lot of positive from this year," Garland said, according to The Athletic's Kelsey Russo.

"We've got the Rookie of the Year right here. Everybody made big strides individually and as a team. Nobody expected us to be here in the first place," Garland continued. "To have that and everybody doubting us and us getting into the play-in tournament with the adversity we fought through, it was a good year for us."

Several media outlets tabbed the Cavs' preseason win total at around 25. Cleveland wound up finishing 44-38 on the campaign, shattering forecasts for the group in the process despite having a pair of key players - Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio - go down with season-ending injuries. All-Star center Jarrett Allen also missed more than a month down the stretch with a fractured finger but managed to return for the Cavs' final play-in tournament contest.

Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff says he thoroughly enjoyed coaching the Cavs' young roster to new heights this season.

"This was the most fun I've had since I've been in the NBA," Bickerstaff said. "This was the most special group of guys that I've ever been around collectively. I have not been around a group of guys who care so much about each other and care more about the group than any individual accolades and accomplishments.

"Everything they did the entire year was for the greater good of the team, and it is special to be a part of, and I'm thankful and appreciative."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox