CLE • Guard • #45
Due to a lingering ankle injury, Mitchell did not play in Cleveland’s final four games of the regular season. That prompted the “rest vs. rust” question ahead of Sunday’s series opener, and “rest” won out for Spida. Seeing his first game action in two weeks, Mitchell looked healthy and refreshed against the Heat, dropping a robust stat line to lead the way for the team that recorded the best record in the Eastern Conference. Having a healthy Mitchell on the court will go a long way toward Cleveland being the championship contender they appeared to be during the regular season. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
1 day ago
April 21, 2025 1:28 AM
CLE • Center • #31
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While Cleveland’s perimeter attack will grab the headlines due to their offensive production, the frontcourt did its job as rebounders and defenders in Game 1. Allen recorded a complete stat line, which included a double-double, while Evan Mobley added seven rebounds along with nine points, one assist and one three-pointer. Allen may be the most overlooked member of the “core four,” but his production as an efficient finisher who also rebounds and defends is essential. The Cavaliers will look to extend their series lead in Game 2 on Wednesday.
CLE • Guard-Forward • #2
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On the day he was named a finalist for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, Jerome showed why he was deserving of that distinction. Playing in his first playoff game, the Cavaliers guard finished with the fourth-most points scored off the bench in a postseason debut since 1971. Defending Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland was challenging enough for Miami; Jerome’s play was essentially the knockout blow in Game 1, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter. He’ll look to build on this performance when the Cavaliers host Game 2 on Wednesday.
Source: NBA
CLE • Guard • #10
1 day ago
Cleveland’s backcourt was outstanding in Game 1, with Garland finishing one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. After averaging 19.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 2.5 three-pointers per game in two regular-season meetings with the Heat, he was far superior to those numbers on Sunday. Garland’s play prompted the Heat to play Davion Mitchell 34 minutes, as starter Alec Burks had no answer defensively. That will be something to watch in this series; if the Heat can’t slow down Garland and Donovan Mitchell, they’re in trouble. Game 2 is on Wednesday.
NYK • Guard • #11
about 2 hours ago
For the second game in a row, Brunson briefly exited late in the game but was able to return. Head coach Tom Thibodeau said after Game 1 that Brunson went to get his cape. Well, he must’ve forgotten to grab it while he was back there on Monday. Brunson was still excellent in this game, but it wasn’t enough for New York to take care of business at home and head to Detroit with a 2-0 lead in the series. Brunson has now scored 34 and 37 points through the first two games, and he’ll continue to be an offensive juggernaut for the Knicks for the remainder of this series.
DET • Guard • #71
about 2 hours ago
Schroder came up big for Detroit in this game. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley combined to shoot 2-of-17 from the floor and 1-of-14 from deep, but the Pistons still walked away with a win because of Schroder. He hit a late three-pointer with the game tied at 94 to give Detroit a lead that they held onto. This came after Schroder scored just eight points in Game 1. He may not score to this level often, but the veteran guard will continue to be an important piece for the Pistons in the postseason.
DET • Guard • #2
about 3 hours ago
After contributing 21 points and 12 assists in his playoff debut, Cunningham focused more on scoring in his second playoff game, which led to him getting his first postseason victory. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick accounted for nearly one-third of his teams points and contributed to more with his playmaking. He didn’t match his 12 dimes from Saturday, but Cunningham took control to lead the franchise to their first playoff win since 2008. The series will head to Detroit for the next two games, with Game 3 coming on Thursday.
