Jaylon Tyson’s role with the Cleveland Cavaliers has seen a dramatic shift during their series against the Detroit Pistons. After playing 22 minutes in Game 2 and being lauded as the team’s best defensive option on Cade Cunningham, Tyson found himself largely sidelined. In Game 6, he only entered the game with two minutes and twenty-one seconds remaining, when the Cavaliers were down by 21 points.
Tyson’s Diminished Playtime
Tyson’s limited minutes indicate that he is one of the Cavaliers players who has been pushed to the margins as head coach Kenny Atkinson has shortened the rotation. Atkinson is primarily relying on Dennis Schroder, Max Strus and Sam Merrill off the bench. This means players who were part of the rotation earlier in the series are now on the outside looking in.
The reduction in Tyson’s playing time is surprising, especially considering his contributions earlier in the playoffs. He proved himself a valuable player in the first round and into the second, making shots and playing with energy. With Dean Wade starting, it seemed the Cavs needed a bench option with his size and length.
However, Tyson received limited playing time in the last three games, totaling just 13 minutes, mostly during garbage time. The Cavaliers have opted for smaller lineups, often featuring three guards, except for their starting lineup. This decision comes despite the size of the Pistons, who have a 6’6″ point guard and only one player shorter than him in their rotation.
Other Rotation Changes
Thomas Bryant was briefly in the rotation. In Game 1, with Jarrett Allen picking up early fouls, Kenny Atkinson turned to Bryant. Given the size of the Pistons, it was thought that a double-big lineup could be valuable for a larger portion of the game.
However, this idea was quickly abandoned, largely because Bryant performed poorly. He shot 1-for-4 and struggled defensively. Bryant rightfully has not played a competitive minute since.
The Cavaliers’ midseason trade to send De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings is under scrutiny, especially as Dennis Schroder’s performance has declined and Keon Ellis has struggled to get on the court. Ellis was expected to be a strong complement to Donovan Mitchell on the bench, offering perimeter defence and shooting. However, the Pistons have been able to exploit him physically. It’s unlikely that Ellis will see the court in Game 7.
Will Atkinson go back to Tyson in Game 7?