Jaylon Tyson may just be the piece the Cavaliers have been searching for at small forward - and Friday night in Philadelphia, he showed exactly why. The second-year wing exploded for 39 points and dished out the game-winning assist in a gritty two-point win over the Sixers, delivering the kind of performance that turns heads not just in the locker room, but across the league.
After the game, Tyson spoke like a player who’s figured something out. “When you get into the NBA, you have to find your niche,” he said.
“Last year, that was my rookie season, so I needed to figure out where I fit in with this team.” And that’s no easy task on a Cavaliers roster loaded with talent.
But when the Sixers keyed in on Donovan Mitchell, it was Tyson who stepped up. “Donovan told me to be ‘California Jaylon,’” he added.
“That meant for me to go and get a bucket.”
And get buckets he did.
Tyson came into the league as a high-volume scorer out of Cal, taken 20th overall in the 2024 draft. But like many rookies, he had to recalibrate his game in the pros.
Last season, he averaged just 3.6 points per game on 43% shooting - solid efficiency, but a limited role. Fast forward to this year, and Tyson’s transformation is hard to ignore.
He’s up to 13.4 points per game, shooting an eye-popping 52.4% from the field and a scorching 47.5% from deep. That’s not just improvement - that’s a leap.
His teammates have taken notice, especially Mitchell, who didn’t hold back in his praise. “No disrespect to people who have won [Most Improved Player] in the past, but it seems like people have won it who were already on a star trajectory,” Mitchell said.
“The award is made for people like Jaylon. He came in, and he has worked on his game, and he’s improved so much since he has been here.
He should win the award.”
It’s hard to argue with that when you watch Tyson’s confidence, versatility, and shot-making on display. He’s not just filling a role - he’s becoming a difference-maker.
Injury Updates from Around the Central Division
The Cavaliers are also monitoring the health of two key rotation players. Darius Garland, the team’s second-leading scorer, is dealing with soreness in his right big toe - notably, not the same toe that required offseason surgery but still a concern given his injury history. He’ll be evaluated over the weekend.
Sam Merrill, who’s already missed time this season with a sprained right hand, is back on the injury report with a similar issue. However, team sources indicated that the swelling and bruising aren’t as severe this time around. Merrill was even able to use the hand normally before Friday’s game, according to head coach Kenny Atkinson.
Isaiah Jackson Opens Up About Concussion Recovery
In Indiana, Pacers center Isaiah Jackson made his return on Saturday after nearly a month away due to a concussion - and he didn’t sugarcoat what the recovery process was like.
“Headaches. Fogginess.
My thoughts were foggy,” Jackson said. “My symptoms were severe.
Light sensitivity. Sound sensitivity.
I couldn’t even be around. I was bad.
I was literally just in my room - the blinds were shut. I had sunglasses on.
It was bad.”
It’s a sobering reminder of how serious concussions can be, especially in a league where physicality is part of the job every night. Jackson’s return is a positive step, but his comments underscore just how brutal the road back can be.
Josh Giddey Nearing Return for Bulls
In Chicago, there’s some good news on the injury front. Josh Giddey, who’s been sidelined since December 29 with a strained left hamstring, has been upgraded to “doubtful” for Sunday’s matchup against the Nets. While he’s not expected to suit up just yet, the upgrade is a strong sign that his return is getting close.
For a Bulls team that’s been navigating injuries and inconsistency, getting Giddey back in the mix could provide a much-needed spark - especially as they look to make a push in the second half of the season.
Bottom Line
Jaylon Tyson’s breakout performance wasn’t just a flash in the pan - it was the culmination of months of work, growth, and trust from his teammates. The Cavaliers have been looking for a long-term answer at small forward, and if Tyson keeps trending this way, they might have finally found their guy.
And across the Central Division, health continues to shape the storylines - with stars like Garland and Giddey on the mend, and role players like Jackson fighting through adversity to get back on the floor. It’s that time of year when depth, development, and resilience start to separate the contenders from the pack.