CLE • Guard • #10
Cleveland’s backcourt was outstanding in Game 1, with Garland finishing one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. After averaging 19.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 2.5 three-pointers per game in two regular-season meetings with the Heat, he was far superior to those numbers on Sunday. Garland’s play prompted the Heat to play Davion Mitchell 34 minutes, as starter Alec Burks had no answer defensively. That will be something to watch in this series; if the Heat can’t slow down Garland and Donovan Mitchell, they’re in trouble. Game 2 is on Wednesday.
13 days ago
April 21, 2025 1:28 AM
CLE • Guard-Forward • #2
5 days ago
This was the first postseason series of Jerome’s career, and it couldn’t have gone much better. He’s still never lost a playoff game, and he averaged 16.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.5 triples per game in this series. Jerome will continue to provide them with excellent depth, though if Darius Garland (toe) is back for Game 1 of the second round, Jerome may not be as productive, since he will likely lose out on minutes.
CLE • Center • #31
5 days ago
After only missing one shot in a Game 3 blowout win, Allen and the Cavs were even better in the series-clinching victory. They went from winning by 37 to winning by 55, and Allen was perfect from the floor and the free throw line. He also tied the franchise record for steals. What made things more impressive was that he did most of that in the first half as he entered the break with 12 points, 11 rebounds and six swipes. If the score wasn’t so lopsided, this could’ve been a truly special performance for him, though his dominance was the reason for the blowout. He’ll look to carry this into the next round.
CLE • Forward-Guard • #12
5 days ago
Hunter may have posted a dud in Game 1 of this series, but the last three games were all strong performances for him. That was more than enough to help Cleveland advance to the second round. 18 of his 19 points came before halftime, so Hunter certainly could’ve scored more if the game wasn’t over at that point. He’ll continue to play a significant role off the bench as the Cavaliers’ postseason run continues in the conference semifinals.
GSW • Guard • #0
about 11 hours ago
Warriors coach Steve Kerr started Payton over Brandin Podziemski, with the veteran wing capable of helping out defensively and making the Rockets pay out of the dunker spot. Unfortunately, the change did not result in increased production from either player. Payton shot 40 percent from the field, while Podziemski (10/7/3/1 with two three-pointers) shot 4-of-9. Given how Game 6 played out, it would be unsurprising if Kerr returned to Podziemski as his starter for Game 7 on Sunday.
GSW • Guard • #30
about 11 hours ago
After not waiting long into the second half of Game 5 to pull the plug, Warriors coach Steve Kerr played his key options heavy minutes on Friday in hopes of ending the series. Unfortunately for him, the move didn’t work, despite the efforts of Curry and Jimmy Butler. They combined to score 56 points, but the other three starters combined 13 on 5-of-17 shooting. The Rockets have used multiple approaches to defending Curry, and while the numbers have remained, his efficiency has taken a hit in the last two games. He’ll look to rebound in Game 7 on Sunday.
HOU • Guard • #5
about 12 hours ago
After scoring 17 points or less in the series’ first three games, VanVleet has kicked things up a notch at the right time. He’s scored 25 or more in three straight, shooting over 50 percent from the field in each outing. Due to VanVleet’s performance on Friday, the Rockets will host a Game 7 on Sunday. While he hasn’t been the most consistent shooter, VanVleet has a history of stepping up in big moments. With his team trailing three games to one, the veteran point guard made good on that reputation in Games 5 and 6.
