NBA Slaps Cavaliers $250K Over Garland Rest

The NBA fined the Cleveland Cavaliers $250,000 for violating its "Player Participation Policy" after Darius Garland sat out the Nov. 24 game vs. Toronto despite playing the previous night against the Clippers. Cleveland already paid $100,000 earlier this year and faces a $1 million penalty for a third infraction; the policy bars resting stars in nationally televised games. The Cavs won with Garland vs. L.A. but lost without him to Toronto. Merlin sees the league drawing a line between player care and league optics. Garland is easing back from toe surgery and is shooting just 13.6 points in eight games, so caution makes sense — yet fines force hard choices. Cleveland (13-10) must juggle health, performance and financial consequences as the season unfolds.