Nae'Qwan Tomlin distinguishing himself for Cavs

CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers' scouting department might have discovered what coach Kenny Atkinson called a "real gem." Two-way player Nae'Qwan Tomlin has been a standout in the early going of the season because of his intensity and hustle. The Cavs found out in the Houston game Wednesday that Tomlin isn't going to back down from anyone. The 6-foot-8, 216-pounder got in Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr.'s face, as both players earned technical fouls in the first half of Cleveland's 114-104 loss. "I loved his energy, his feistiness," Atkinson said. "I'm hoping we've discovered a real gem here. He's really showing some things with his length and athleticism. He's tough. He's not backing down from anybody. He's crazy competitive." Tomlin, 24, finished with 10 points and two rebounds in 20 minutes against Houston in his first start of the season. He's reached double figures in scoring for the second time this season and the third time in his career. "All my teammates were trying to boost me up," he said. "They have a lot of confidence in me. Every time I get in, I try to make something happen." Heading into the Indiana game Friday, Tomlin was averaging 6.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.6 assists and shooting .486 from the field and .786 from the foul line. On the downside, he's 0-of-13 on 3-point attempts. The University of Memphis product, who didn't play basketball in high school, said things don't change just because he was in the starting lineup. "I keep doing the same things that got me here," Tomlin said. He said the most important thing he wants to accomplish is to "get stops" on defense. Tomlin said he didn't have any history with Smith, he was just trying to bring toughness. "It's just me," he said. His teammates have noticed his intensity as of late. "Qwan brings (energy) every night," Cavs forward De'Andre Hunter said. "He's everywhere. He's an energy guy. He can crash. He can score in the paint. He can play defense. He can shoot, as well. He does everything for us. Coming off the bench with that energy and tenacity can definitely help us." All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell agrees. "I'm running out of things to say about him," he said. "(Cleveland's comeback) started with 'Qwan and everyone continued to follow." They're back Point guard Darius Garland, who has played in just three games this year, returned against the Pacers on Friday. He has missed 13 of Cleveland's 16 games this season with a toe injury. Atkinson said he'd be limited to under 30 minutes. Swingman Jaylon Tyson, who missed five games with a concussion, was available to play, as well, and was also restricted to under 30 minutes. Atkinson said he's missed Tyson's energy and defensive mindset. He also missed his personality. "He's a happy-go-luck guy," he said. Center Jarrett Allen was listed as questionable with a sprained right middle finger and decided to give it a go. Guard Sam Merrill is sidelined with a strained right hand. "It's pretty darn swollen," Atkinson said. "I don't know how long that will take." Big contributor Backup guard Craig Porter Jr., like Tomlin another undrafted free agent signing, contributed nine points, a team-high tying seven rebounds, a team-high five assists and two blocks in 26 minutes against the Rockets. He has recorded eight blocked shots in his last five games. It was his fourth multi-block game of the season. He's been around Veteran guard Lonzo Ball appeared in his 300th career NBA game Wednesday against Houston. Contact Bob Finnan at (440) 329-7135 or rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.