The Cleveland Cavaliers faced mounting pressure as they entered the playoffs, having achieved a franchise-best 15-0 start during the season. Their early postseason success included a dominant sweep over the Miami Heat, but injuries have since derailed their campaign. Point guard Darius Garland's toe injury, compounded by Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley’s ankle sprain, has left the Cavaliers scrambling as they find themselves down 2-0 against the Indiana Pacers in the semifinals.

Fans, who initially defended their team against critics, are harboring resentment toward Garland and Mobley, with some accusing them of not being fully committed in their moment of need. The Cavaliers, having secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference, were aiming for an unprecedented conference finals appearance sans LeBron James. To have any shot at advancing, they urgently need both Garland and Mobley back in action.