Apr 15, 2023 12:00 AM

Darius Garland encourages the Cavaliers to turn up the aggressiveness against the New York Knicks in Game 2.

Darius Garland was pretty clear about what the Cleveland Cavaliers need to do in Game 2 against the New York Knicks if they want to come out of this series and move on to round two of the playoffs.

After the Knicks took Game 1 from the Cavs, Garland said their physicality wasn't quite enough.

"We need to hit first and see how the refs react instead of being punched in the face and just laying down to it. I think that's the mentality that we have to have is go punch first and see what the refs have and see what they do, see if they're going to blow the whistle, and set the tone of the game with it."

Watch the rest of Darius Garland's press conference here:

DG went on to say that Cleveland needs to be more aggressive throughout the game and set the tone instead of allowing the Knicks to do the same.

Despite the loss, Garland did not play horribly. He finished the game with 17 points and was shot 50 percent from behind the arc. He did commit five turnovers, which need to be cleaned up before Game 2.

Cleveland isn't making any excuses for this loss and they realize where they need to be better. This should make Game 2 another hard-fought battle between these two teams.  

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Photo Credit © David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

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