Overview
- Cleveland, up 2-0 on Toronto, heard Kenny Atkinson say Wednesday that Jaylon Tyson is “next up” and due for a breakout.
- Tyson has 5 points on 1-for-8 shooting in 26 minutes through two games while drawing physical defensive tasks on Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and RJ Barrett.
- Atkinson graded Tyson around a B/B+ for doing his job, which now centers on defense, screening, crashing the glass, and taking open threes in a tighter playoff role.
- Teammates echoed confidence as Donovan Mitchell praised Tyson’s composure, Jarrett Allen said he is due for a big night, and Evan Mobley noted a late-season toe issue disrupted his rhythm.
- Toronto’s bench outscored Cleveland’s 45-19 in Game 2, increasing the need for steadier reserve production from players like Tyson in the road games ahead.