The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a rough patch - four losses in their last five games - and this latest one didn’t do much to lift the mood. There were some bright spots, but make no mistake: this was another tough night for a team still searching for rhythm and cohesion. Let’s break down the individual performances from a game that, while disappointing in the final score, still gave us a few things to talk about.
Darius Garland
35 points, 8 assists, 2 rebounds
This was the version of Garland the Cavs have been waiting on. From the opening tip, he looked like a player determined to set the tone - slippery off the bounce, decisive with the ball, and fearless pulling up from deep.
He had 25 points heading into the fourth and finished north of 30 for the first time all season.
The most encouraging part? He did it while still clearly managing that toe injury.
Garland didn’t just play through it - he thrived in spite of it. In a season where Cleveland has struggled to find offensive consistency, this was a reminder of just how dangerous Garland can be when he’s on.
Grade: A-
Jarrett Allen
14 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals
Allen played a layered, intelligent game. He started out as more of a distributor than a scorer, racking up five assists before he even took a shot.
Then, in the third quarter, he flipped the switch - scoring 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting and dominating the glass.
This was one of those “do-it-all” nights from Allen. He read the game well, filled gaps on both ends, and gave the Cavs a solid interior presence.
In a different context - say, a team not struggling to find its identity - this performance would’ve been enough to tilt the game. But right now, Allen’s consistency is being overshadowed by the team’s larger issues.
Grade: A-
Jaylon Tyson
9 points, 1 assist, 5 rebounds
Tyson just couldn’t get going early. He missed all four of his first-half shots and picked up a couple of frustration fouls that stalled any rhythm he was trying to build.
He did manage to find a groove in the second half, especially in transition and short-roll situations, but the damage was already done.
He’s been one of the more reliable pieces this season, so this one stands out as an off-night more than a trend.
Grade: C-
Lonzo Ball
8 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
This was a mixed bag from Ball. On one hand, he was a catalyst for a third-quarter surge - pushing the pace, dropping dimes, and creating chaos on defense.
His look-ahead passes sparked a few easy buckets, and he was efficient with his shot selection, going 3-for-4 from the field.
But there were also some defensive lapses that proved costly down the stretch. That’s been a theme for Ball this year - moments of brilliance followed by frustrating breakdowns. Still, his energy and playmaking gave the Cavs a lift when they needed it most.
Grade: C+
Tyrese Proctor
16 points, 3 assists, 6 rebounds
Proctor got the nod for his first career start, and he wasted no time making an impression. He opened the game with back-to-back threes and looked comfortable running the offense early.
While his impact dipped a bit in the second quarter, he came alive again in the third and finished with 16 points - second-most on the team.
This was a promising debut in the starting lineup. Proctor looked confident, composed, and ready for more responsibility.
Grade: A
De’Andre Hunter
11 points, 1 assist, 3 rebounds
It’s been a rough stretch for Hunter, and this game didn’t do much to change that narrative. The shooting woes continued, the defensive effort wasn’t where it needed to be, and he struggled to make an impact in key moments.
At this point, the Cavs need more from him - plain and simple.
Grade: F
Dean Wade
2 points, 1 assist, 5 rebounds
Wade’s been in a funk, and it’s showing on both ends. The defensive reliability that once defined his role has slipped, and the three-point shot just hasn’t been there.
With the team already thin on dependable two-way contributors, Wade’s regression is coming at the worst possible time.
Grade: D
Nae’Qwan Tomlin
15 points, 2 assists, 3 rebounds
Tomlin brought the energy - and then some. He exploded out of the gates with three dunks in the first half, then added a couple of corner threes for good measure.
All told, he put up 15 points in just 21 minutes, giving the Cavs a major spark off the bench.
He’s not just an athlete - he’s showing a growing understanding of how to pick his spots and impact the game without forcing the issue.
Grade: A-
Thomas Bryant
11 points, 2 assists, 4 rebounds
Bryant quietly had a strong night. He brought toughness inside, finished well around the rim, and even chipped in a couple of assists.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective - exactly what you want from a veteran big coming off the bench.
Grade: A-
Bottom Line:
The Cavaliers are still searching for answers.
Garland’s performance was a step in the right direction, and there were flashes from Proctor, Tomlin, and Allen that suggest there’s still plenty of talent on this roster. But until the team can put it all together - consistently, for four quarters - these losses will keep piling up.
The pieces are there. Now it's about finding the right way to fit them together.