Darius Garland’s injury clouds Game 1, but the Cavs’ depth and identity face their ultimate test against the Pacers’ relentless pace.

The first real stress test of the Cavaliers’ postseason arrived earlier than expected — and there’s no time to ease into it. Cleveland dropped Game 1 of its Eastern Conference semifinal series 121-112 to the Indiana Pacers,

Without Garland, the Cavs didn’t execute their usual drive/kick/swing offense, which resulted in isolation dribbling and contested jumpers.