Player Grades: Cavs vs Celtics – Jaylon Tyson shows flashes in loss

Cleveland Cavaliers faced the Boston Celtics in a preseason game on October 8, 2026, at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Among the players, Jaylon Tyson of the Cavaliers stood out with a strong performance despite a loss. Tyson scored 14 points in just 16 minutes, displaying a progression in his skills and contributing as a role player off the bench.

Gold stars went to Craig Porter Jr., who provided 10 assists and showed leadership potential. Meleek Thomas also had a notable game with 11 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals, showcasing his shooting and defensive abilities. Peyton Watson contributed 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, indicating his growing role within the team. Donovan Mitchell and Sam Merrill also showcased their skills, with Mitchell scoring 11 points and Merrill scoring 8 points, respectively.

Evan Mobley had 8 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist, while Meio Hezonja, returning to the NBA after six years, had 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists but struggled initially. Grades ranged from A to D+, reflecting the varying performances and potential of the players in their preseason debut.