Nae’Qwan Tomlin Shines Amid Cavaliers’ Early Season Struggles

CLEVELAND — Nae’Qwan Tomlin is making the most of his chance to play for the Cavaliers amidst a wave of injuries on the team. The two-way forward has provided an essential lift to a squad that has struggled to find its rhythm early in the season.

In a game against the Toronto Raptors, Tomlin scored 18 points, shooting 80 percent from the field. Head coach Kenny Atkinson praised his performance, stating, “He’s like a racehorse out there. He’s flying. He’s getting deflections. He’s all over the place.”

Despite a less impressive stat line in a recent game where he contributed only two points and four rebounds, Tomlin’s energy proved crucial in helping the Cavaliers maintain contact with their opponents and rally in the fourth quarter.

Donovan Mitchell, a teammate and All-Star guard, recognized Tomlin’s contributions, saying, “You need to see that. Sometimes, you don’t have it on the night, and you have a guy like that who just changes the whole dynamic.”

Tomlin attributes his high level of energy to his experiences in college and the G-League. “It’s just something I gained over time,” he explained after Thursday’s game.

However, Tomlin is still working on aspects of his game. He has had issues with fouls, being penalized five times in a recent outing, and he is yet to convert a three-pointer this season after missing his first seven attempts with the Cavaliers.

Nevertheless, his ability to finish at the basket and cut effectively has been invaluable. Teammate Mitchell stated, “He just doesn’t stop. His motor, his energy – we all feed off of that.”

As the Cavs navigate through injuries and inconsistent performances, Tomlin’s hustle is proving to be a fundamental element in keeping the team competitive. “He’s starting to figure it out,” Mitchell noted. “It’s all the little things.”

With each game, Tomlin solidifies his role within the team, showcasing the potential to become an enduring contributor.