As the NBA Playoffs 2025 heat up, tensions between Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro and Cleveland Cavaliers star Darius Garland have erupted over comments about Herro’s defense.

After the Cavaliers’ Game 2 win, Garland told reporters their strategy was to “pick on” the Heat’s weaker defenders — specifically mentioning Herro. Unsurprisingly, the Heat sharpshooter didn’t take that lightly.

“Somebody that doesn’t play defense shouldn’t be talking either,” Herro fired back during Friday’s media availability, via The Athletic. “He don’t play any defense and we’ll see that tomorrow. He don’t play no D.”

Tyler Herro vs. Darius Garland: Who’s the Better Defender?

While both players shine offensively, defensive statistics show struggles on both sides.

• Darius Garland: Defensive rating — 119.8

• Tyler Herro: Defensive rating — 134.9

Despite Garland’s jab, numbers suggest neither player is exactly locking opponents down. In fact, Herro’s Game 2 performance saw improvement, despite the Miami Heat falling 121-112. Herro dropped 33 points, while Garland had 21 points, each posting high defensive ratings (Herro at 123.8, Garland at 125.0).

Herro Calls Out Garland’s Postgame Comments

Herro also criticized Garland for airing grievances publicly instead of keeping trash talk on the court.

“I’m not fing around. I don’t think there’s anything to f around about,” Herro said. “We said some words on the court, and then he was in his feelings to go to the media after the game. That kind of says everything right there.”

With the Heat vs Cavaliers series now at 2-0 in favor of Cleveland, the stakes are higher than ever. Herro’s defensive efforts will be closely watched in Game 3, as the Heat aim to claw back into the first-round battle.

Adding more intrigue, Darius Garland is listed as questionable for Saturday’s Game 3 with a sprained left big toe. If Garland is sidelined, fans may have to wait until Game 4 for the next chapter in this budding playoff rivalry.

Heat vs Cavaliers Game 3 Details

• Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025

• Location: Kaseya Center, Miami

• Tip-off: 1:00 p.m. ET

With playoff emotions boiling over, all eyes are on Tyler Herro to respond — not just with his words, but with his defense — as the Miami Heat fight to stay alive in the NBA Playoffs 2025.