The Cleveland Cavaliers went through the motions to close out the season.
That’s something they could afford after becoming the first team to punch their ticket to the playoffs, and only a catastrophe could’ve cost them the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
That’s why, with everything settled, they chose to rest their starters and most crucial bench guys in the regular-season finale vs. the Indiana Pacers.
Even despite that, they were still close to winning the game, but they blew a big lead down the stretch and eventually lost after two overtimes.
Nevertheless, the young players delivered and made the most out of every single touch, just like Cavs Notes pointed out on X.
Final Numbers:@jaylontyson: CAREER-HIGH 31 PTS, 4 3FG, 7 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK@BatesEmoni: CAREER-HIGH 25 PTS, 7 3FG, 6 REB, 1 BLK
Nae’Qwan Tomlin: CAREER-HIGH 24 PTS, CAREER-HIGH 12 REB, 1 BLK@craigporter0: SEASON-HIGH 20 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 2 BLK https://t.co/7ZndcneS7K
— Cavs Notes (@CavsNotes) April 13, 2025
Rookie forward Jaylon Tyson posted a career-high 31 points to go along with seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, four three-pointers, and one block.
Emoni Bates also chimed in with a career-high 25 points, six rebounds, one block, and seven three-pointers.
G-League standout Nae’Qwan Tomlin had career bests in both points (24) and rebounds (12), adding one block before fouling out.
Last but not least, Craig Porter Jr. had his best outing of the season, posting 20 points with five rebounds, five assists, and a couple of blocks.
You have to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready, and that was clearly the case with the Cavs’ youngsters.
They will most likely not get much of a run during the playoffs, but this kind of performance shows that they can be trusted if it comes down to it.
NEXT: Jaylon Tyson Achieved Notable Rookie Milestone Against Pacers
