Rookie Jaylon Tyson Drops 39 in Cavs' Comeback Win

Jaylon Tyson just announced himself to the basketball world in the most spectacular way possible.

The Cleveland Cavaliers rookie poured in a career-high 39 points on Friday night, leading his short-handed team to a stunning 117-115 comeback win over the Philadelphia 76ers. With Cleveland missing four rotation players including second-leading scorer Darius Garland, someone needed to step up.

Tyson didn't just step up. He soared.

The 20th pick from the 2024 NBA Draft shot 13 of 17 from the field and buried seven of nine three-pointers in 38 electric minutes. He scored 20 points in the second half alone, keeping Cleveland in striking distance as they trailed for nearly 40 minutes.

"A five-star performance," Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said after the game. His team found themselves down by 11 at one point and entered the fourth quarter still trailing by seven.

But Cleveland has made a habit of late-game heroics this season. This marked their 25th game trailing after three quarters, and they're getting comfortable in that uncomfortable spot.

De'Andre Hunter tied the game with a clutch three-pointer around the six-minute mark. The Sixers pushed back ahead, but Tyson wouldn't let his team lose.

With 1:59 remaining, he buried his seventh three-pointer to give Cleveland its first lead of the second half. After the lead changed hands twice more, the stage was set for the final possession.

Why This Inspires

In the timeout huddle with 8.1 seconds left and the game tied, Coach Atkinson drew up a play for All-Star Donovan Mitchell. Philadelphia knew it was coming and locked him down.

The ball found its way to Tyson instead. With the game on the line and a storybook ending in his grasp, the rookie made the most mature play possible.

He drove baseline and kicked out a wraparound pass to Evan Mobley, who threw down a thunderous game-winning dunk. "A young guy like that, you would think he would challenge and try to get a bucket," Atkinson said. "The fact that he made the wrap-around dish to Evan, that speaks to his maturity."

Six Cavaliers finished in double figures, with Mitchell dishing out 12 assists and reserve guard Craig Porter Jr. adding 11 helpers. Joel Embiid led Philadelphia with 33 points, but it wasn't enough.

Tyson stayed humble after his breakout performance. "I don't want to make it all about me," he said. "It was a good team win."

But everyone in that arena knew whose night it really was, and Cleveland now believes their young forward deserves consideration for Most Improved Player of the Year.