Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson hasn't been as productive since trade deadline deals

CLEVELAND — After shining as one of the bright stars on the Cavaliers, second-year swingman Jaylon Tyson has taken a step back after the team's moves at the trade deadline. In his previous four games before the New York Knicks game Tuesday, Tyson averaged just 7.5 points and made only 3 of 11 shots from the 3-point arc. The 6-foot-6, 224-pounder is ranked third in the NBA in 3-point accuracy at .467, right behind teammate Sam Merrill's .474. Tyson's minutes have dwindled since Cleveland acquired guards James Harden, Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. In order to get more minutes, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said it's easy. "You've got to earn it," he said. The coach said Tyson needs to play defense, rebound, limit his mistakes and make shots. "There's definitely a smaller window," Atkinson said. "We're getting healthier. You have to earn it to play now. It's definitely a shift for him. He's had a couple games not playing at an elite level." On the season, he's averaged 13.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists and shot .508 from the field in 53 games. "I don't think it's been easy (for Tyson)," Atkinson said. "He's a young player. It's not easy for anyone." Some of the veterans on the team have pulled him aside and explained it's about winning and what's best for the team. Still, it's not easy for Tyson, who had a great start to the season. Tyson, Cleveland's first-round pick out of California in 2024, is one of the team's top defenders. Atkinson is keeping his eye on him to see if he can earn minutes in the playoffs as a defensive specialist. Max getting close Atkinson marveled at watching swingman Max Strus at the Cavs shootaround Tuesday. "He's trending positive," he said. "He was out there changing directions. I was very pleased and surprised." Strus has yet to appear in a game this year after having surgery on his foot in the offseason. Merrill cooking Sam Merrill recorded his eighth game of 20 or more points Sunday in Oklahoma City. It was also his seventh game with six or more 3-pointers. With his fifth 3-pointer vs. the Thunder, he passed Cedi Osman (296) for fourth place in 3-pointers by a bench player. On the season, his career-high 13.4 scoring average is a 6.2-point improvement from last season. Doubling your pleasure Cavs center Jarrett Allen has recorded a double-double in seven of his previous eight games (before New York). Over those last eight games since Feb. 1, he is averaging 21.8 points, 12.1 rebounds and 1.25 blocks and shooting .729 from the field (70-of-96). He's helped the Cavs to a 7-1 record in the month of February. Bob Finnan can be reached at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.