Jan. 16 in Philadelphia was one of those games where you don’t realize you’re learning something until it’s already over (“[’I’m built for this:’ Inside his career night in Philly,”](https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01/its-something-i-will-never-forget-inside-cavs-jaylon-tysons-career-night.html) Jan. 18).
Jaylon Tyson finished with 39 points and went 7-for-9 from three-point territory, but the box score doesn’t capture it. His jumper looked automatic. Cleveland didn’t look like it was chasing answers—it looked like it had found structure.
For long stretches, the Cavs played with an ease that’s been missing. Possessions didn’t feel fragile. The floor stayed spaced. The offense didn’t collapse into late-clock problem-solving. Tyson wasn’t just scoring; he was giving the game shape.
That’s why the ending felt inevitable. With under five seconds left, Tyson drove, drew the defense, and threw a no-look pass to Evan Mobley for the dunk. Watching at home, I said, “That’s Pippen to Jordan” out loud — not a take, just instinct.
What Cleveland knows now is that Tyson has made the leap. Not a small one. Paired with De’Andre Hunter, the Cavs suddenly have two real 3-and-D wings. That matters in February. Internal jumps don’t calm front offices — they sharpen them. I trust the Cavs’ Koby Altman. If a major move comes, it will come from clarity.
I’ve seen an NBA Finals team before. This is how it starts.
Thomas Maddox,
Cincinnati