CLE • Center • #31
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.
about 21 hours ago
April 21, 2025 1:29 AM
CLE • Guard-Forward • #2
about 21 hours ago
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
about 21 hours 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.
CLE • Guard • #45
about 21 hours ago
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.
HOU • Center • #12
about 18 hours ago
On a night when their backcourt struggled mightily, the Rockets received solid contributions from their reserve bigs. Adams led the way with 12 rebounds, while Jabari Smith Jr. didn’t miss a shot and finished with 11 points, six rebounds, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in 25 minutes. Houston also took the approach of pairing Adams and Alperen Sengun when Stephen Curry was not on the court, but this had minimal impact on the action due to Houston’s guards struggling to hit shots. Game 2 is on Wednesday.
HOU • Center • #28
about 18 hours ago
Sengun was one of the few Rockets who managed to get going offensively in Sunday’s series opener, shooting over 50 percent from the field. The two-big lineup of him and Steven Adams did not significantly impact the action, but that’s an approach the Rockets will take when Stephen Curry is not on the floor. However, more important will be getting consistent production from the guards, as Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green shot a combined 7-of-34 from the field in Game 1. Life will become far more difficult for Sengun if the guards are unable to space the floor effectively. Game 2 is on Wednesday.
LAC • Center • #40
2 days ago
Zubac had his hands full defending Nikola Jokić in Saturday’s series opener. That task did not prevent him from doing his job offensively, with the Clippers’ center shooting 66.7 percent from the field and recording an efficient double-double. Zubac has been one of the most improved players in the NBA this season, and his play on both ends of the floor will be critical in this series. The Clippers and Nuggets meet again in Game 2 on Monday.
