The Cleveland Cavaliers might not be replicating the dominance they showed during last year’s regular season, but there’s no denying they’ve found a rhythm lately. Their 117-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday was another step in the right direction-and it came with a highlight that had fans out of their seats.
Midway through the third quarter, Nae’Qwan Tomlin delivered a moment that will live on in Cavs highlight reels for a long time. After De’Andre Hunter found him cutting along the baseline with a quick feed from the short roll, Tomlin took flight and threw down a thunderous dunk over none other than Joel Embiid.
Yes, that Joel Embiid-the reigning MVP and one of the most dominant rim protectors in the league. It wasn’t just a dunk-it was a statement.
For Tomlin, it was more than just a viral moment. It was another example of how he’s quietly making the most of his opportunities this season. The 6-foot-10 forward is on a two-way contract, which limits his availability, but when he’s on the floor, he’s proving he belongs.
Against the Sixers, Tomlin logged just over 17 minutes and made them count: nine points, five rebounds, and efficient shooting-4-of-8 from the field and a perfect trip to the free-throw line. He played with energy, attacked the glass, and gave Cleveland a spark off the bench.
Through 31 appearances this season, including two starts, Tomlin is averaging just over 15 minutes per game. His production-6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game-might not leap off the stat sheet, but his impact goes beyond the numbers. He’s shooting a solid 48.1 percent from the floor, and while his three-point shot (25 percent) is still a work in progress, he’s been dependable at the free-throw line at 71.1 percent.
This is Tomlin’s second season with the Cavaliers on a two-way deal. His journey to this point has been anything but conventional.
After going undrafted in 2024, he signed a 10-day contract with Cleveland in February 2025. The Cavs liked what they saw, and by the end of that stint, he’d earned a two-way deal.
Now, he’s carving out a role in a rotation that’s looking for depth and energy-two things Tomlin brings in spades. Plays like the one he made against Embiid don’t just show up on highlight reels-they show up in film rooms, in coaches’ minds, and in the trust a player earns from teammates and staff.
The Cavaliers are still figuring out exactly who they are this season, but if Tomlin keeps making the most of his minutes, he might just force the front office to make a decision about his future sooner rather than later.