INDEPENDENCE — The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken a comfortable 2-0 lead in their first-round series against the Toronto Raptors despite not getting consistent help outside of their star players.
Max Strus’s 24 points in Game 1 account for nearly half of the team’s bench points through the first two games of the series. In Game 2, Cleveland’s bench was outscored 45-19 by the Raptors’ reserves.
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The lack of bench production hasn’t hurt the Cavaliers so far this series. But according to head coach Kenny Atkinson, he believes that one player will help turn this around: Jaylon Tyson.
“I told him today he’s next up,” Atkinson said after practice on Wednesday. “Max had that big game, core four had their big games. [Next] it’s going to be Jaylon Tyson. I can almost guarantee that he’s going to have one of those games where he’s converting that offensive rebound, he’s getting into the half roll because they’re playing smaller.”
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Tyson has been the Cavs’ most pleasant surprise this series. The improvements he’s made as a three-point shooter and defender have allowed him to become a mainstay in the rotation. However, a toe injury at the end of the regular season took him out of the rhythm he was in. That’s difficult for someone heading into their first real postseason action.
The stats haven’t been impressive through two games this series. Tyson has just five points on 1-8 shooting in 26 total minutes. That hasn’t stopped his head coach from praising what he’s seen so far.
“I’d give him a B, B+ in what we’re asking him to do,” Atkinson said. “He’s got all this stuff he could do, and now you have to reduce your package, and then you have to be aware of who I’m on the court with. There’s another level of sacrifice, and he’s getting that.”
Games 3 and 4 will be challenges. Toronto is a tough environment to play in. The margins for Cleveland will be much smaller in the next two games than they were in the first two. They’ll need some of their role players to step up and make positive contributions. Atkinson is sure Tyson will answer the call.
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“He’ll have a big game,” Atkinson said. “It’s just a matter of time. It’s really talking to these guys individually about the patience needed until we get there. But I’m loving what I’m seeing from him right now.”
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