Cavaliers vs. Suns: Game Recap
On January 30, 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers faced off against the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, marking their first defeat after a five-game winning streak. The Suns dominated the contest, securing a convincing 126-113 victory over the visiting Cavaliers.
Individual Performances
Donovan Mitchell, a key player for the Cavaliers, struggled significantly, scoring just 16 points while also contributing 6 assists and 3 rebounds. However, his performance was marred by an astonishing 8 turnovers, including 7 in the opening half. Despite his efforts throughout the season, this outing was particularly disappointing. His overall grade reflects this struggle: F.
Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen had a noteworthy game initially, posting 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 23 minutes of play. He effectively set screens and finished near the basket but was unable to maintain his strong performance as the game slipped away from his team’s control. Allen’s efforts, while solid, were overshadowed by the team’s broader issues, earning him a B+ score.
Jaylon Tyson contributed with 16 points and 4 rebounds. He played a steady role in the first half, shooting efficiently at 7-13. However, his contributions came in a losing cause, meriting a grade of B+.
Thomas Bryant stood out during the first half, scoring 9 points, alongside 6 assists and 6 rebounds. He provided crucial floor spacing and defensive stability, achieving a perfect grade of A+ for his early work, even if he played limited minutes once the game got out of reach.
De’Andre Hunter had a mixed performance, tallying 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals but also accumulating 3 turnovers. His shooting from the field, 7-15, was commendable given his struggles this season, but a few careless turnovers impacted his overall play, resulting in a grade of C.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin managed 14 points and 5 rebounds, yet his performance was chaotic and lacked focus, which was reflected in his grade of C. Dean Wade managed only 3 points and 4 rebounds, being largely ineffective after an initial shot. His lack of impact on the game earned him a grade of C.
Sam Merrill finished with 10 points, but he forced several difficult three-point attempts, ultimately going 2-7 from beyond the arc. His efforts to energize the team didn’t yield the desired results, resulting in another C grade.
Lonzo Ball started the game with minimal contributions, scoring just 3 points and registering 5 assists. Unfortunately, his 1-8 shooting highlighted ongoing struggles in his role, and he received a D grade. Lastly, Tyrese Proctor‘s outing was underwhelming, with 4 points and 5 assists but plagued by 3 turnovers. Showcasing potential for future development, he still earned a D grade today.
This loss serves as a stark reminder for the Cavaliers that improvements are necessary as they prepare for future matchups, especially with key players underperforming against capable opponents like Phoenix.
