After four years of waiting, point guard Darius Garland is finally set to play in his first NBA playoffs with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Garland has emerged as one of the team's most important players over the past few seasons, with an All-Star appearance in 2021-22 and solid performance this season. However, as the Cavs prepare to face the New York Knicks in the first round, Garland will be under more pressure than ever to deliver. In recent matchups against the Knicks, their defense was able to collapse on Garland and limit his effectiveness in the pick-and-roll. With that in mind, the Cavs have been working on new strategies to counter this defense, such as an "empty side" pick-and-roll that failed in the past but could be more effective with Jarrett Allen providing vertical spacing. If Garland can rise to the challenge and lead the Cavs to success in the playoffs, he could solidify his status as one of the league's top young guards.