Do Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland Need to Click at the Same Time for the Cavs to Reach the Finals?

In their Game 1 win over the Miami Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers saw the kind of performance from their star backcourt that fans have been waiting for. Donovan Mitchell dropped 30 points on 57.9% shooting, adding 4 steals and 4 assists. Darius Garland matched the energy with 27 points of his own, shooting a crisp 58.8% from the field and connecting on 5 of 9 from beyond the arc. It was a rare occasion post-All-Star break where both guards were firing on all cylinders, and the result was a potent, flowing offense that overwhelmed Miami’s defense.

Mitchell’s outing was especially significant. Not only did he tie Michael Jordan’s record for most consecutive Game 1s with 30+ points (seven straight), but he also demonstrated his value beyond scoring, disrupting passing lanes, initiating offense, and keeping the Cavs poised through rough patches. Even though he started cold from deep (2-9), his relentless attacking and finishing around the rim made up for it.

Garland, meanwhile, was the model of efficiency. He spaced the floor beautifully and avoided forcing shots, which allowed Cleveland’s offense to hum. His performance elevated the team’s tempo and gave Mitchell room to operate. The balance they struck gave role players like Ty Jerome a chance to shine—Jerome added a surprising 28 points off the bench, including a blistering 16-point fourth quarter, all while shooting 66.7% from the field and 62.5% from three.

But the question remains: does Cleveland need both Mitchell and Garland to play at this level simultaneously to make a deep playoff run?

The honest answer is… not necessarily. When both players are on, as they were in Game 1, the Cavs are clearly one of the most dangerous teams in the East. But consistency from both stars has been rare. Often, if one player is off, the offensive sets become more predictable, allowing opposing defenses to collapse more easily. The team can still win in those situations—especially if players like Jerome or Caris LeVert step up, but those performances can’t be counted on every night.

Mitchell’s leadership allows the Cavs to survive stretches when Garland isn't at his best. He can carry a heavier load on both ends of the floor. However, for Cleveland to seriously challenge teams like Boston or Milwaukee, they’ll need more than just flashes of synergy from their guards, they’ll need sustained, balanced scoring.

Another piece of the puzzle is Evan Mobley. In Game 1, he had a quieter night, scoring 9 points on 4-of-10 shooting, but he contributed on the glass and defensively. When Mitchell and Garland are both aggressive, Mobley benefits from increased spacing and scoring opportunities in the paint. If either of the stars cools off, Mobley’s role shifts, he has to become a more active scorer, which doesn’t always come naturally in the current system.

Ty Jerome’s fourth-quarter eruption was a major x-factor, but it’s tough to project that kind of contribution consistently. Players like LeVert, Jarrett Allen, and Lamar Stevens will all have moments, but they’re most effective when they complement the rhythm set by the guards, not when they’re asked to replicate it.

So, do Mitchell and Garland need to “click” every night for the Cavs to reach the Finals? Not every night. But the more often they do, the easier the road becomes. Their combined firepower unlocks the team’s full potential, turning role players into deadly threats and forcing defenses to stretch beyond their comfort zones. One star can carry Cleveland through a round. Both stars clicking together? That’s what gets them to June.

For more on how duos like Mitchell and Garland can shape a playoff run, and why supporting cast depth matters more than ever, check out our latest episode of Harrison Talks Pod, where we break down this series and more from around the league.