May 05, 2026
PLAYER PERFORMANCE
Detroit Pistons
Cunningham struggled mightily with his shooting efficiency (6-of-19 FG) but salvaged his +9.9 offensive credit by aggressively attacking the rim and drawing fouls (9-of-11 FT). His defensive engagement was a major bright spot, generating 4 deflections and holding his matchup to 40% shooting for a +6.2 defensive credit.
Harris weaponized his defensive activity to swing this game, racking up 5 deflections and holding his matchup to a frigid 4-of-13 from the field for a +7.0 defensive credit. He also bullied his way to the line (7-of-8 FT), ensuring his offensive impact (+12.4) remained high despite a clunky 1-of-5 night from deep.
Duren's relentless interior motor defined his performance, highlighted by a staggering 21 shot contests and a +9.6 defensive credit. While his finishing was unusually poor (4-of-11 FG), his playmaking out of the post (4 assists) and elite rim protection kept his overall value sky-high.
Thompson operated as a highly efficient connective hub, pacing his +15.4 offensive credit with 5 assists and 67% shooting from the floor. He was equally disruptive on the other end, smothering his primary matchup (2-of-7 shooting) to anchor a stout +4.8 defensive credit.
Robinson was an absolute flamethrower from the perimeter, burying 5-of-8 triples to generate a massive +15.0 offensive credit. However, his defensive limitations were glaringly exposed, as his primary matchup torched him for 8-of-11 shooting.
Jenkins compensated for a rocky shooting night (0-of-3 from deep) by unleashing absolute chaos on the defensive end. His 4 steals and 4 deflections fueled a massive +10.5 defensive credit, proving his worth as a disruptive perimeter pest.
Stewart made the most of his limited touches, converting both of his field goal attempts to post a solid +5.2 offensive credit. He also set sturdy screens (3 screen assists) to help free up shooters, though his 2 turnovers slightly dampened an otherwise efficient outing.
Holland II provided a brief but efficient scoring punch off the bench, hitting 2-of-3 shots to generate a +4.5 offensive credit. However, he struggled to contain his assignment defensively, allowing his matchup to shoot a blistering 67% from the floor.
LeVert was a complete offensive ghost during his 9 minutes, failing to score and registering a -0.8 offensive credit. His minimal involvement extended across the box score, continuing a brutal late-season slump.
Green was largely invisible during his three minutes of action, managing just one made three-pointer on three attempts. His defensive presence was equally lacking, as his matchup easily converted 2-of-3 shots against him.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Mitchell carried the scoring load with a solid 4-of-10 mark from deep, driving his +10.9 offensive credit. However, his overall playmaking was muted (just 2 assists) and his defensive impact was limited, allowing his primary matchup to shoot 56% from the floor.
Harden's performance was a high-wire act of aggressive foul-drawing (9-of-9 FT) and sloppy ball security. The 7 turnovers (↑ avg 3.9) significantly dragged down his efficiency, though he compensated defensively by stifling his primary matchup (3-of-10 shooting) to earn a +5.3 defensive credit.
Mobley showcased his evolving offensive hub capabilities, leveraging his playmaking (5 assists, ↑ avg) to generate a robust +14.4 offensive credit. He protected the rim effectively with 9 contests and a pair of blocks, though his individual matchup found some success shooting 56% against him.
Wade provided steady, low-usage value on the margins without forcing the issue offensively. His clean decision-making (0 turnovers) and efficient shooting (2-of-3) fueled a solid +6.6 offensive credit, while his three deflections added subtle disruption on the other end.
A stark lack of offensive involvement defined Allen's quiet night, as he managed just two points on four attempts (-85% vs avg). His minimal +0.1 offensive credit and below-average rebounding (3 boards) reflect a passive outing where he struggled to impose his usual physical will inside.
Strus broke out of a recent shooting slump by burying 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, fueling a massive +14.5 offensive credit. He was equally impressive on the other end, suffocating his defensive matchup into a miserable 5-of-19 shooting performance.
Tyson was a complete non-factor offensively, going scoreless on a single shot attempt to generate a -2.2 offensive credit. He salvaged some value through his hustle on the glass (5 rebounds) and by locking down his matchup, who managed just 1-of-4 shooting against him.
Schröder managed to score efficiently (3-of-6 FG) but completely sabotaged his own value with careless ball-handling. His 4 turnovers (↑ avg 1.3) stunted the offense, while a negative defensive credit (-0.8) showed he struggled to contain his perimeter assignments.
Ellis couldn't find his stroke from deep (1-of-3) but made his presence felt entirely on the defensive end. His two steals and stout on-ball coverage yielded a robust +5.2 defensive credit, proving he can impact the game even when his shot isn't falling.
Bryant struggled to find any rhythm during his short stint, missing three of his four shot attempts and failing to grab a single rebound. His defensive presence was practically non-existent, allowing his primary matchup to torch him for 5-of-7 shooting.
Merrill was completely erased from the offensive game plan, failing to log a single field goal attempt during his brief 6 minutes of action. The resulting -1.4 offensive credit highlights a totally hollow shift where his usual perimeter threat was entirely neutralized.
