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Jarrett Allen Jarrett Allen logs 22-point performance in Game 2
Thu, May 7, 2026, 4:30 PM
Jarrett Allen added 22 points (7-of-9 FGs, 8-of-10 FTs), seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in Thursday's loss to the Pistons.
Analysis: Allen bounced back from an underwhelming two-point performance in Game 1 to tie his high for points in a game this postseason. Per usual, the veteran center did all of his work inside the arc, but also utilized the charity stripe to tally his points. He finished as Cleveland's second leading scorer on the evening while finishing as the team's best rebounder in his 31 minutes. The Cavaliers will hope Allen can provide similar individual production in Game 3. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell scores 31 points in loss to DET
Thu, May 7, 2026, 4:23 PM
Donovan Mitchell amassed 31 points (11-of-24 FGs, 7-of-9 FTs), six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two three-pointers in the loss to the Pistons on Thursday.
Analysis: Mitchell was one of the very few Cavaliers to have success on the offensive end in Game 2. He accounted for nearly one-third of the team's made field goals and, even with inefficient three-point shooting, found other ways to somewhat efficiently hit the 30-point mark. A repeat performance from Mitchell in Game would be great for Cleveland ??" they'll just need multiple others to find their way offensively. He's scored at least 20 points in each of the last four games. |
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James Harden James Harden held to 10 points in Game 2 loss
Thu, May 7, 2026, 4:16 PM
James Harden totaled 10 points (3-of-13 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), six rebounds, three assists and one steal in the loss to the Pistons on Thursday.
Analysis: Harden struggled to find his flow on offense in Game 2. For the second time this postseason, he was held to only three made field goals, but failed to make a three-pointer for the first time. As he narrowly snuck into double figures as a scorer, the former league MVP also didn't make much of an impact as a passer; his three assists tied his low for this postseason. He will almost certainly need to bounce back with a much greater performance in Game 3 for the Cavs to avoid falling behind by three games. |
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Sam Merrill Sam Merrill (hamstring) ruled out for Game 2
Thu, May 7, 2026, 12:23 PM
NBA Injury Report
Sam Merrill (hamstring) will not play in Thursday's game against the Pistons.
Analysis: Merrill logged just seven minutes in the Game 1 loss and didn't register a single point. Still, the Cavaliers' depth takes a bit of a hit in regard to three-point shooting and overall scoring. In his absence, Max Strus, Dennis Schroder, and Jaylon Tyson should see more minutes. |
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Sam Merrill Sam Merrill (hamstring) questionable for Game 2
Wed, May 6, 2026, 11:13 AM
Sam Merrill (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's Game 2 against the Pistons.
Analysis: Merrill is dealing with a left hamstring strain while the rest of the Cavaliers' roster is completely healthy. The 29-year-old shooting guard had no points in seven minutes in Tuesday's Game 1 loss to the Pistons. His absence wouldn't be considered a major loss for the Cavaliers if he's ultimately ruled out. |
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Jarrett Allen Jarrett Allen held to two points in Game 1 loss
Tue, May 5, 2026, 4:17 PM
Jarrett Allen finished Tuesday's loss tot he Pistons with two points (1-of-4 FGs), three rebounds, one assist and one block.
Analysis: Allen played just 18 minutes in Tuesday's loss, failing to reach double figures in points or rebounds during his time on the floor. The lack of production was surprising, given his success just two days earlier in Game 7 of the first-round win over the Magic. He finished as the only starter with a positive plus-minus. Still, the Cavaliers will likely need the veteran center to perform at a higher level in Game 2 if they hope to avoid falling behind two games to none. |
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James Harden James Harden adds 22/8/7 line in Game 1 loss
Tue, May 5, 2026, 4:12 PM
James Harden logged 22 points (6-of-15 FGs, 9-of-9 FTs), eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal, two blocks and one three-pointer.
Analysis: It took a while for Harden to get going on Tuesday. He entered the fourth quarter with nine points and five turnovers on 2-of-8 shooting, before finally coming alive with a 13-point final frame. He ultimately finished with a decent line in terms of counting stats. However, the former MVP struggled most of the way throughout Tuesday's loss and will likely need to be better in Game 2 for Cleveland to earn a win. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donaovan Mitchell logs 23 points in Game 1 loss
Tue, May 5, 2026, 4:07 PM
Donovan Mitchell tallied 23 points (9-of-19 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), four rebounds, two assists, one steal and four three-pointers in Tuesday's loss to the Pistons.
Analysis: Mitchell got off to a quick start and scored 14 points over the first two quarters, but cooled off after halftime in Tuesday's loss. He managed only nine second-half points but still finished as the team's scoring leader on the evening. Mitchell didn't have a great impact as either a rebounder or a passer. Yet, his four three-pointers are something that he hopes can translate to Game 2, while upping his production elsewhere. |
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James Harden James Harden has 18 points in Game 7 win vs. TOR
Sun, May 3, 2026, 5:40 PM
James Harden totaled 18 points (3-of-9 FGs, 11-of-13 FTs), six rebounds, three assists, three steals and one three-pointer in the win over the Raptors on Sunday.
Analysis: Harden did the bulk of his scoring at the charity stripe in Game 7, which helped offset some inefficient shooting during his 37 minutes. And with the shooting struggles also came a lack of playmaking ??" he finished with his lowest assist total of the series. Yet, there were positives. The former league MVP recorded fewer than four turnovers for the first time in the series and remained active with his hands on defense. Still, he'll likely need to perform better in the Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the top-seeded Pistons for the Cavaliers to advance. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell scores 22 points in win over TOR
Sun, May 3, 2026, 5:32 PM
Donovan Mitchell produced 22 points (9-of-20 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), three rebounds, one assist and two three-pointers in the win over the Raptors on Sunday.
Analysis: Mitchell wasn't at his best on Sunday, but he did enough to be effective. He was one of Cleveland's most impactful starters, and despite struggles from three-point range, he still tied for a team high in points. Without any stocks, a single assist, and just a few boards, Mitchell's contributions mostly came as a scorer in Game 7; he'll hope to land greater counting stats beginning in Game 1 against the Knicks. |
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Jarrett Allen Jarrett Allen has huge 22/19 double-double in win
Sun, May 3, 2026, 5:25 PM
Jarrett Allen logged 22 points (7-of-11 FGs, 8-of-14 FTs), nineteen rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks in Sunday's win over the Raptors.
Analysis: Allen picked a fantastic time to log his best performance of the postseason. He dominated the offensive glass for putbacks and cleaned up the defensive boards, totaling nearly 20 rebounds. His interior dominance led to many trips to the charity stripe as well, as the Raptors couldn't match Allen's activity throughout the game, which is also reflected in the five stocks. Again, Allen was the star of the show on Sunday in Cleveland's biggest game of the season. He'll try to take Sunday's momentum into Game 1 against the Pistons. |
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James Harden James Harden dishes out nine assists in Game 6
Fri, May 1, 2026, 4:50 PM
James Harden produced 16 points (5-of-14 FGs, 5-of-5 FTs), nine rebounds, nine assists, two steals, one block and one three-pointer in Friday's Game 6 loss to the Raptors.
Analysis: Harden's four turnovers in Game 6 matched his series-low, as efficiency remains an issue for the Cavaliers' point guard. He struggled with his shot on Friday, going 1-of-4 from beyond the arc after entering Game 6 making 41 percent of his attempts. While Harden did finish one rebound and one assist shy of a triple-double, the Cavaliers need more from him if they're to avoid a first-round exit. Game 7 is on Sunday. |
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Evan Mobley Evan Mobley records 26/14/3/1 line in Game 6
Fri, May 1, 2026, 4:49 PM
Evan Mobley recorded 26 points (9-of-15 FGs, 5-of-8 FTs), 14 rebounds, three assists, one steal and three three-pointers in Friday's Game 6 loss to the Raptors.
Analysis: Mobley recorded series-highs in points and rebounds in Game 6, finishing with his first double-double of the series. However, it wasn't enough to give Cleveland the win that would have ended the series. One thing that Mobley and the Cavaliers can take solace in is that the road team has yet to win a game, and the Cavaliers will host Game 7 on Sunday. He'll need to produce a similar performance to get Cleveland into the second round, especially if James Harden continues to struggle. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell scores 24 but goes cold from deep
Fri, May 1, 2026, 4:49 PM
Donovan Mitchell amassed 24 points (11-of-26 FGs), five rebounds, two assists, one block and two three-pointers in Friday's Game 6 loss to the Raptors.
Analysis: After making 39 percent of his three-point attempts in the first five games of this series, Mitchell shot 2-of-10 in Game 6. While that wasn't the only reason for the Cavaliers' inability to close out the series, his struggles did not help matters. For Cleveland to avoid becoming the first team in this series to lose a home game on Sunday, they'll need a more efficient offensive performance from their All-Star backcourt. Mitchell and James Harden shot a combined 16-of-40 from the field in Game 6. |
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Dennis Schroder Dennis Schröder contributes 19 points in Game 5
Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 4:29 PM
Dennis Schröder finished Wednesday's Game 5 win over the Raptors with 19 points (7-of-11 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), two assists and three three-pointers.
Analysis: Schröder and Evan Mobley came up big for the Cavaliers in the second half of Game 5, combining to score 29 of the team's 58 points. The veteran guard came off the bench and shot 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, with the Cavaliers going 18-of-36 as a team. Game 5 was Schröder's best outing of the series, as he totaled 18 points in the first four games. A similar effort in Game 6 on Friday would be of great use to the Cavaliers, who need one more win to seal the series. |
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James Harden James Harden scores 23 points in Game 5 victory
Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 4:29 PM
James Harden accounted for 23 points (7-of-13 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, one block and four three-pointers in Wednesday's Game 5 win over the Raptors.
Analysis: Harden has committed at least four turnovers in each game of this series, including six in Game 5. However, while he was inefficient as a playmaker, the Cavaliers' guard finished the 125-120 victory with solid percentages from the field and the foul line. And with three other Cavaliers scoring at least 19 points, there was ample help to compensate for Harden's turnover issues. He'll need to clean that up some if the Cavaliers are to end the series on Friday in Toronto. |
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Evan Mobley Evan Mobley scores 16 second-half points in Game 5
Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 4:28 PM
Evan Mobley amassed 23 points (8-of-13 FGs, 4-of-8 FTs), nine rebounds, one assist, one steal, three blocks and three three-pointers in Wednesday's Game 5 win over the Raptors.
Analysis: Mobley was outstanding after halftime, scoring 16 of his 23 points to help the Cavaliers take a 3-2 series lead. The versatile forward, who did not miss from beyond the arc, finished with a complete stat line, with a 4-of-8 night at the foul line being the lone concern. However, the Cavaliers will need Mobley to be much better on the road when the series shifts to Toronto for Game 6 than he was in Games 3 and 4. In those defeats, Mobley totaled 23 points on 8-of-24 shooting from the field. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell records 19 points in Game 5 win
Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 4:28 PM
Donovan Mitchell recorded 19 points (7-of-17 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block and three three-pointers in Wednesday's Game 5 win over the Raptors.
Analysis: The home team has yet to lose a game in this series, with the Cavaliers limiting Toronto to 17 fourth-quarter points to take a 3-2 lead. Mitchell didn't have his best night shooting the basketball, making just four of his 12 two-point attempts, but a 3-of-5 night from beyond the arc gave the overall percentage a welcome boost. After scoring 30 points or more in the first two games of this series, Mitchell has been held to 20 or fewer in three straight. He'll look to turn that around in Game 6 on Friday, with a win advancing the Cavaliers to the second round. |
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Max Strus CLE starts Harden, Mitchell, Strus, Mobley, Allen
Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 1:17 PM
NBA Lineups
James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will start Wednesday's Game 5 against the Raptors.
Analysis: The rumblings that Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson was considering a change to his starting lineup have been proven true. Strus, who was a starter for most of last season, moves into the starting five for Wednesday's game, with Dean Wade heading to the bench. The other four starters are unchanged. |
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Sam Merrill Sam Merrill scores 14 points off bench in Game 4
Sun, Apr 26, 2026, 10:51 AM
Sam Merrill tallied 14 points (5-of-9 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs) and three three-pointers in Cleveland's loss to the Raptors on Sunday.
Analysis: It didn't take much production for Merrill to conclude as one of Cleveland's best offensive performers on Sunday. In 19 minutes, he provided his usual three-point shooting and was the only positive contributor off the bench in terms of plus-minus. Merill didn't accumulate many other stats, leaving his three-point shooting as the primary value he brought in Game 4. |
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