The Cleveland Cavaliers are undermanned right now.
With Caris LeVert (wrist), Isaac Okoro (shoulder), and Dean Wade (knee) all out with injuries, they need everybody to step up.
That has opened up the door for more playing time for rookie Jaylon Tyson.
With Darius Garland (rest) also out vs. the Miami Heat, Kenny Atkinson had his first-year player on the court for 30 minutes.
Following the game, Donovan Mitchell showered him with praise.
Talking to the media, Mitchell praised him for his maturity and approach to the game, as he wants to do all the little things and help the team win, even if he’s not getting many shots.
“Not many guys that score 20 in college want to come and don’t want the ball, want to do the little things. To have that mindset, coming into camp let alone into these games, is huge,” said Mitchell.
Donovan Mitchell on Jaylon Tyson postgame.
“Not many guys that score 20 in college want to come and don’t want the ball, want to do the little things. To have that mindset, coming into camp let alone into these games, is huge.” pic.twitter.com/mcnUljBCsb
— RealCavsFans.com (@realcavsfans) January 30, 2025
Tyson scored only four points, going 2-of-7 from the floor and 0-of-3 from beyond the arc, but he also had five rebounds and four assists.
When given enough time to play this season, he’s showcased his versatility and ability to fill the stat sheet.
It’s been hard for him to crack the rotation, and with the team winning almost 40 games before the All-Star break, Coach Atkinson isn’t likely to make any major moves for the time being.
Even so, he’s worked hard and showed up to play when his number has been called.
While he could clearly be a more aggressive scorer and take as many shots as he did in the past, he knows that his path to the court comes with making winning plays, hustling, and doing all the little things.
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