"Biggest choker in the NBA bro, it’s ridiculous": Fans blast Cavaliers' $197,230,450 star for blowing game-winning free throws

The Cleveland Cavaliers endured their third loss in six games, falling 109-108 in a comeback attempt that came up short during their Wednesday visit to the Houston Rockets. Darius Garland had a chance to win the game with free throws in the final moments after being fouled on a 3-point attempt, but he missed both free throws, leading to criticism from fans.

With the Cavaliers down 109-107 and just four seconds remaining, Garland was fouled by Tari Eason while attempting a 3-pointer. After a review, the foul was ruled a flagrant 1, awarding Garland three free throws and giving the Cavaliers possession of the ball.

Despite being a career 87% free throw shooter, Garland missed his first two free throws. He made his third attempt, but Donovan Mitchell's potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer was off the mark. Fans criticized Garland, who is in the middle of a five-year, $197.2 million contract, accusing him of "choking" the game away.

“Biggest choker in the nba bro, it’s ridiculous,” one fan said.

“Bros got no ice 😭,” another said.

One fan shared a meme featuring Garland's teammate, Jarrett Allen, to make light of his missed free throws.

Here are additional fan reactions:

“Cavs aren’t gonna be able to handle the playoff pressure,” another said.

“Pressure burst pipes,” another commented.

“Thats the thing, the clutch gene, the killer instinct is not in this current Cavs team lol,” another added.

Darius Garland sets career high for missed free throws in a game in loss to Rockets

Darius Garland’s performance at the free throw line on Wednesday was the worst of his career. Although he led the Cavaliers with 26 points and five assists, his 3-for-8 shooting from the line marked the most misses he’s had in a game.

Before this game, according to StatMuse, Garland's highest number of missed free throws in a game was three, a feat he had accomplished three times in his career.

He averages just 24.5 missed free throws per season, and in his rookie year, he missed only nine free throws in 59 games.

This season, Darius Garland has been part of a dynamic backcourt alongside Donovan Mitchell, helping propel the Cavaliers to the best record in the Eastern Conference. He is averaging 21.2 points, 6.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds, shooting 49.8%, including 42.9% from beyond the arc.

He is also converting free throws at an 87.3% rate this season, his third-best career mark.