Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson a pleasant surprise for coach Kenny Atkinson

CLEVELAND — Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said he envisioned second-year swingman Jaylon Tyson on the outside looking into Cleveland's rotation this season. Instead, he has started 19 times and has been one of the Cavs' most consistent players. In addition to his defensive toughness, one of Tyson's biggest attributes has been his long-range shooting. He's third in the Eastern Conference and sixth in the NBA in 3-point accuracy at .454 (59-of-130). His 3-point percentage is fifth-best in team history for a single season: Steve Kerr, 1989-90, .507 Mark Price, 1987-88, .486 Kyle Korver, 2016-17, .485 Daniel Gibson, 2009-10, .477 Tyson, 2025-26, .454 Wesley Person, 2001-02, .444. The 6-foot-6, 215-pounder contributed 18 points, two rebounds and three assists in the victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. He buried three of six from 3-point range in 31 minutes off the bench. Tyson shot .345 from long distance as a rookie. "That big jump, I didn't see that coming," Atkinson said. "That was a huge jump." The Cavs coach said Tyson is getting off his shot quicker, has better rhythm and "is not afraid to shoot them." Atkinson said Tyson seems to be a player who can thrive in the playoffs. "He's one of those no-conscience guys," he said. "He's willing to take risks, especially with his shot. They say ignorance is bliss." Atkinson said no matter what kind of game Tyson is having, he'll always play hard and rebound. Tyson, 23, is one of five players from the 2024 NBA Draft class averaging at least 13 points per game this season. His 13.5 points per game is a 9.9-point improvement from his rookie total (3.6). On the season, the University of California product is also averaging 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists and shooting .522 from the field. Mitchell thriving Guard Donovan Mitchell had 34 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists against the Suns for the first time in his career. He was the first Cleveland player to amass those numbers in a game since LeBron James on April 6, 2018, vs. Philadelphia (44 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists). Mitchell has scored 30 or more points 18 times this season, third-most in the NBA. J.A. coming on The Cavs are 5-1 this season when center Jarrett Allen records a double-double. He had recorded double-doubles in back-to-back games heading into the Denver game Friday night. Fly swatter Forward/center Evan Mobley recorded five or more blocks for the sixth time in his career against the Suns. He's averaging a career-high 1.72 blocks, which is fifth in the NBA. Bob Finnan can be reached at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.