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Max Strus Max Strus hits four three-pointers in Game 3
Sat, May 23, 2026, 5:01 PM
Max Strus finished Saturday's Game 3 loss to the Knicks with 13 points (4-of-12 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), seven rebounds, six assists, one steal and four three-pointers.
Analysis: Strus has not been in the starting lineup for this series, with Dean Wade (two rebounds, one assist and one steal) receiving the first shot at defending New York's Jalen Brunson. However, it's fair to question if Cavaliers' head coach Kenny Atkinson will consider a lineup change going into Monday's must-win Game 4. Strus, who logged 31 minutes to Wade's 17, is a greater threat offensively while being able to harass Brunson defensively. The Knicks' star still scored 30 points in Game 3, but Cleveland not getting any offensive production from Wade was also problematic. Cleveland needs a win on Monday to extend its season and send the series back to New York for a Game 5. |
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Evan Mobley Evan Mobley scores team-high 24 points in Game 3
Sat, May 23, 2026, 5:01 PM
Evan Mobley tallied 24 points (10-of-18 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), six rebounds, two assists, one block and one three-pointer in Saturday's Game 3 loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: After not attempting a shot in the second half of Game 2, Mobley had his best scoring performance of the Eastern Conference Finals in Game 3. His 24 points led the way for the Cavaliers, and he posted that number on good percentages from the field and the foul line. However, Mobley was also responsible for five turnovers, as were Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. It's nearly impossible for a team to win a game at this point in the postseason when its three best players struggle with turnovers. Game 4 is on Monday, with the Cavaliers needing a win to extend their season. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell scores 23 points in Game 3
Sat, May 23, 2026, 5:00 PM
Donovan Mitchell recorded 23 points (9-of-21 FGs, 2-of-6 FTs), one rebound, four assists, three steals and three three-pointers in Saturday's Game 3 loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: The three players the Cavaliers count on the most offensively struggled with their efficiency in Game 3. Mitchell committed five turnovers, with James Harden and Evan Mobley doing the same. Cleveland's miscues led to New York scoring 17 fast-break points, besting the Cavaliers by 13 in that category. Mitchell also shot 3-of-10 from beyond the arc, and the inefficiency was too much to overcome in this matchup. For Cleveland to extend the series with a win on Monday, they'll need a far better version of Mitchell than the one they've received in the first three games. |
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James Harden James Harden drops 19 points in Game 3 defeat
Sat, May 23, 2026, 5:00 PM
James Harden accounted for 19 points (8-of-15 FGs, 2-of-3 FTs), five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one three-pointer in Saturday's Game 3 loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: While more productive in Game 3 than he was in either of the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals, Harden's overall impact was once again muted. Given the matchup, the Cavaliers can ill afford not to have Harden playing at an elite level. He shot just 1-of-7 from beyond the arc on Saturday and finished with as many turnovers as assists. Harden and the Cavaliers need a win on Monday to avoid getting swept. |
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Jarrett Allen Jarrett Allen corrals 10 rebounds in Game 2 loss
Thu, May 21, 2026, 4:51 PM
Jarrett Allen recorded 13 points (5-of-10 FGs, 3-of-6 FTs), 10 rebounds, one steal and two blocked shots in Thursday's Game 2 loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: After a pedestrian 10-point, seven-rebound effort in Game 1, Allen recorded his first double-double since Game 5 of the Detroit series on Thursday. He was also reasonably productive as a defender, recording three defensive contributions. However, Cleveland's inability to knock down shots eliminated their chances of winning, especially as the Knicks went on an 18-0 run in the third quarter. Allen and the Cavaliers will look to rebound when they host Game 3 on Saturday. |
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Evan Mobley Evan Mobley scores 14 points in Game 2 defeat
Thu, May 21, 2026, 4:50 PM
Evan Mobley accounted for 14 points (5-of-8 FGs, 2-of-4 FTs), six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two three-pointers in Thursday's Game 2 loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: Overall, Mobley was effective when he got the ball in Game 2. His lack of touches in the second half was a major issue for the Cavaliers. Somehow, Mobley did not attempt a shot after halftime, which cannot happen, even with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden on the floor. If there's any player in the Cavaliers' starting lineup capable of being a game-changer, it may be Mobley, especially with the Knicks playing one big at most times. But that can't happen if he isn't getting the ball. The Cavaliers will look to cut their series deficit in half with a win in Game 3 on Saturday. |
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James Harden James Harden finishes Game 2 loss with 18 points
Thu, May 21, 2026, 4:50 PM
James Harden tallied 18 points (6-of-15 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), six rebounds, two assists, two steals and three three-pointers in Thursday's Game 2 loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: After racking up six turnovers and getting torched defensively by Jalen Brunson in Game 1, Harden recorded a better stat line on Thursday. While the field-goal percentage remained low, The Beard did not commit a turnover in 32 minutes. However, he had just two assists, a byproduct of the Cavaliers' shooting 38.8 percent from the field and 9-of-35 from three. The Cavaliers will hope that Harden can find his groove in Game 3 on Saturday, as they sit in a 0-2 hole. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell scores team-high 26 points
Thu, May 21, 2026, 4:50 PM
Mike Vorkunov
Donovan Mitchell finished Thursday's Game 2 loss to the Knicks with 26 points (8-of-18 FGs, 8-of-9 FTs), four rebounds, one assist, one block and two three-pointers.
Analysis: After blowing Game 1, the Cavaliers could not find their stroke in Game 2. Mitchell, who scored 19 points in the second half, was the exception, as Cleveland shot 38.8 percent from the field as a team. New York, which erased a 22-point deficit in the opener, grabbed control of Game 2 with an 18-0 run during the third quarter. Mitchell did what he could to pull the Cavaliers to as close as seven, but the hole was too deep to climb out of completely. While there have been some concerns that he may have tweaked something in his lower body during Game 1, Mitchell said after Thursday's defeat that he's fine. The usual explosiveness was not there, but it's clear that he isn't going to make any excuses. Cleveland will look to defend home court when it hosts Game 3 on Saturday. |
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Evan Mobley Evan Mobley has 15-point, 14-rebound double-double
Tue, May 19, 2026, 6:08 PM
Evan Mobley finished Tuesday's loss to the Knicks with 15 points (6-of-16 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), 14 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two three-pointers.
Analysis: Mobley landed a double-double on Tuesday, as he dominated the defensive glass and did a fine job of erasing shot attempts. Yet his shooting struggles from beyond the arc prevented him from delivering a bigger offensive performance, while failing to make the Knicks pay for gifting him open looks. Given his inefficiency from deep in Game 1, there's a chance those same shots could be there for him to take. He'll need to step into those looks and capitalize in Game 2 better than he did on Tuesday. |
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James Harden James Harden totals 15 points in Game 1 loss to NY
Tue, May 19, 2026, 6:01 PM
James Harden produced 15 points (5-of-16 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), four rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in the loss to the Knicks on Tuesday.
Analysis: Harden had a rough Tuesday night at MSG. He struggled with his shot, particularly from beyond the arc, failed to generate points for his teammates, and turned the ball over six times. Additionally, he was the defensive target the Knicks repeatedly aimed for during the fourth quarter and overtime, as New York walked down Cleveland and overcame a 22-point comeback. Harden will almost certainly need to be better going forward for the Cavaliers to win games in this series. He'll have a chance to bounce back in Game 2 on Thursday. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell logs 29 points in Game 1 loss
Tue, May 19, 2026, 5:54 PM
Donovan Mitchell finished Tuesday's loss to the Knicks with 29 points (12-of-23 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), five rebounds, three assists, six steals, one block and four three-pointers.
Analysis: Mitchell was highly productive on Tuesday. In his 41 minutes, he led the Cavaliers in points, was their most productive three-point shooter, and was massive on the defensive end, recording seven stocks. Yet Mitchell and his teammates struggled to generate enough two-way production to protect a 22-point fourth-quarter lead, which led to an overtime period and an eventual loss for the Cavaliers. Mitchell shot 1-of-6 and tallied two total points in the fourth quarter and overtime combined. He'll have a chance to bounce back and help Cleveland try to even the series on Thursday. |
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Larry Nance Larry Nance Jr. (illness) questionable vs. Knicks
Mon, May 18, 2026, 11:23 AM
NBA Injury Report
Larry Nance Jr. (illness) is questionable to play against the Knicks on Tuesday.
Analysis: Nance missed Games 6 and 7 against the Pistons with this illness and could remain out for another game. He played five minutes in the first round against the Raptors but didn't see the floor at all against Detroit. His status won't impact the Cavaliers' rotation for the conference finals. |
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Evan Mobley Evan Mobley records 21/12/6/2/2 line in Game 7
Sun, May 17, 2026, 4:52 PM
Evan Mobley accounted for 21 points (7-of-10 FGs, 6-of-11 FTs), 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals, two blocks and one three-pointer in Sunday's Game 7 win over the Pistons.
Analysis: Cleveland's starting bigs were dominant in Game 7. Mobley recorded a double-double as part of a complete stat line, with Jarrett Allen going for 23 points and seven rebounds. Mobley scored at least 17 points in each of the final four games of the series, with Cleveland winning three. The Cavaliers will look to him for similar production against the Knicks in the conference finals, with Game 1 scheduled for Tuesday night. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell scores game-high 26 points
Sun, May 17, 2026, 4:51 PM
Donovan Mitchell finished Sunday's Game 7 win over the Pistons with 26 points (10-of-22 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), six rebounds, eight assists, one steal, one block and two three-pointers.
Analysis: Mitchell and the Cavaliers are headed to the conference finals for the first time since 2018 after a dominant showing in Game 7. He rebounded from a poor Game 6, not only as a scorer but as a playmaker. After recording three assists on Friday, Mitchell was responsible for eight in Game 7 while committing three turnovers. He and the other Cavaliers were able to get into the paint early and often, which opened up everything offensively for them. Game 1 of the conference finals is on Tuesday in New York. |
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Sam Merrill Sam Merrill sinks five triples, scores 23 points
Sun, May 17, 2026, 4:51 PM
Sam Merrill recorded 23 points (7-of-10 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), one rebound, two assists, one steal and five three-pointers in Sunday's Game 7 win over the Pistons.
Analysis: Usually, James Harden (nine points, five rebounds and six assists) shooting 2-of-10 from the field would spell doom for his team. That wasn't the case on Sunday, with Merrill's performance among the reasons why. Shooting 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, Merrill was one of four Cavaliers to finish the 125-94 rout with at least 20 points. Max Strus (9/3/2/3 with one three-pointer) was the fifth starter on Sunday, replacing Dean Wade, but there's room for Merrill to step up as well. Cleveland visits New York on Tuesday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
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Jarrett Allen âGame 7 Jarrett Allen' shines in blowout victory
Sun, May 17, 2026, 4:50 PM
Jarrett Allen tallied 23 points (8-of-14 FGs, 7-of-13 FTs), seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one blocked shot in Sunday's Game 7 win over the Pistons.
Analysis: As he did in Cleveland's first-round series against Toronto, Allen saved his best for last as the Cavs earned their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2018. The Cavaliers' starting center thoroughly outplayed Jalen Duren, and his stat line lacked only a three-pointer. In the Game 7 win over Toronto in the first round, Allen put up 22 points, 19 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Things won't get easier for Allen and the Cavaliers, as they visit the Knicks in Game 1 of the conference finals on Tuesday. |
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Max Strus CLE starts Harden, Mitchell, Strus, Mobley, Allen
Sun, May 17, 2026, 1:58 PM
NBA Lineups
James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will start Sunday's Game 7 against the Pistons.
Analysis: The Cavaliers have changed their starting lineup for Game 7, with Strus replacing Dean Wade. Strus offers a higher offensive ceiling, and he can also take on the task of defending Cade Cunningham. The other four starters are unchanged. |
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Larry Nance Larry Nance Jr. (illness) downgraded to out Sunday
Sun, May 17, 2026, 10:42 AM
NBA Injury Report
Larry Nance Jr. (illness) is out for Sunday's Game 7 against the Pistons.
Analysis: Nance is inactive for a second consecutive game due to an illness. He has not been a consistent member of the Cavaliers' rotation, and that was unlikely to change for Sunday's series decider. |
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Larry Nance Larry Nance (illness) doubtful for Game 7 Sunday
Sat, May 16, 2026, 11:26 AM
NBA Injury Report
Larry Nance (illness) is doubtful for Sunday's Game 7 against the Pistons.
Analysis: A late scratch for Friday's Game 6 defeat, Nance is on track to miss Game 7 as well. The veteran forward/center has not been in the Cavaliers' rotation, and that's unlikely to change on Sunday. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell scores 18 but struggles in Game 6
Fri, May 15, 2026, 3:50 PM
Donovan Mitchell finished Friday's Game 6 loss to the Pistons with 18 points (6-of-20 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), four rebounds, three assists, one steal and two three-pointers.
Analysis: While he wasn't as loose with the basketball as backcourt partner James Harden, who recorded eight turnovers, Mitchell struggled on Friday. Spida shot 30 percent from the field, and his inefficient shooting was one reason the Cavaliers could not close out the series. In three prior Game 7 appearances, Mitchell has averaged 27.7 points on 42 percent shooting from the field. He'll need to be elite on Sunday if the Cavaliers are to reach the conference finals for the first time since 2018. |
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