Here are the top performers on May 14 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Cade Cunningham DET PG 39 PTS | 7 REB | 9 AST | 60.9 FPS (vs. CLE)
One major problem for Cunningham in the playoffs has been turnovers, which was the case again in Game 5 as he finished with a game-high six. Otherwise, he’s been incredible today. Offensively, he delivered his best scoring game of the series after knocking down six threes while also getting it done in other areas. Facing elimination in the first round, Cunningham has really locked in offensively, averaging 36.3 points over three games, and they will definitely need that version of him again in Game 6.
BREAKOUT:
Max Strus CLE SF 20 PTS | 8 REB | 1 STL | 37.1 FPS (vs. DET)
Strus was instrumental for the Cavs in today’s win, finishing as one of their top scorers. He caught fire from three-point range, converting 6-of-8 which is a big turnaround after going 3-for-16 over the past three games. While he hasn’t been consistent offensively this playoffs, his performance was proof that he can certainly turn it up when needed.
SLEEPER:
Daniss Jenkins DET PG 19 PTS | 3 AST | 2 BLK | 34.9 FPS (vs. CLE)
The sophomore guard returned to the starting lineup today with Robinson sidelined and stepped up in a huge way. Except for his three-point shooting, he was mostly effective, committing zero turnovers while going 6-for-9 on two-pointers to finish as the team’s second-leading scorer. His offense will definitely matter a lot if they want to avoid elimination.
ELITE ASSET:
Evan Mobley CLE PF 19 PTS | 8 REB | 8 AST | 48.6 FPS (vs. DET)
Mobley has been a steady defensive anchor for the Cavs in this matchup, posting eight rebounds for the fourth time in five games while also averaging three blocks. But he’s also elevated his play on offense lately, finishing with a playoff-high in assists today while averaging 18.0 points over their last two outings.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Ausar Thompson DET SF 5 AST | 4 STL | 3 BLK | 40.9 FPS (vs. CLE)
Thompson got off to a solid offensive start in this series, scoring double-digit points in the first two games. He hasn’t been able to maintain that level since, but he has made up for it by making significant contributions in other areas. He did the same today, recording his fifth 5-assist game of the playoffs while posting at least seven rebounds for the fourth time in five games. Defensively, he has been on another level, leading the league in steals while ranking third in blocks.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
James Harden CLE SG 30 PTS | 8 REB | 6 AST | 54.6 FPS (vs. DET)
It wasn’t a flawless performance, but Harden continues to elevate his overall production. The superstar guard tied his best rebounding output of the series today while also making his mark on defense with three blocks. Still, he was most impressive on offense, going 11-for-14 from the line to lead the team in scoring while setting a new playoff scoring high.
STREAMER:
Paul Reed DET C 10 PTS | 8 REB | 2 BLK | 26.1 FPS (vs. CLE)
Reed has stepped into the rotation lately and he made the most of it, providing solid value for his position. Offensively, he has been reliable, posting three double-digit scoring games while shooting 15-for-20 from the field. Today, however, he made an even greater impact, leading the team in rebounds while also making his presence felt on defense.
FLOPPER:
Jalen Duren DET C 9 PTS | 5 REB | 4 AST | 24.0 FPS (vs. CLE)
Duren started the game on a low note, scoring just two points in the first half, but he was able to find some rhythm in the third quarter, scoring seven points. However, he did not see any minutes after that, resulting in another subpar performance. While Duren has mostly underwhelmed in the playoffs, his production has dipped even further lately, as he’s averaging just 9.3 points and 4.0 rebounds over his last three games.
