Cavaliers Dominate Wizards in Season Finale as Tomlin Drops Career-High 26 Points
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers closed out their regular season with a commanding 130-117 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday, led by a breakout performance from forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin.
Tomlin, who has been fighting for consistent minutes this season, exploded for a career-high 26 points, helping the Cavaliers maintain control from start to finish. With key players resting ahead of the playoffs, Cleveland’s bench stepped up in a big way.
Cavs Cruise Despite Playoff Prep
With their playoff position already secured as the Eastern Conference’s fourth seed, the Cavaliers (52-30) opted to rest most of their starters. That didn’t slow them down, as they stormed to a season-high 43 points in the first quarter alone.
Jaylon Tyson flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Max Strus, who missed most of the season with a broken foot, saw his first extended action since returning, contributing 10 points and five rebounds in just 18 minutes.
Cleveland’s dominance over Washington continued, marking their 15th straight win against the Wizards—the second-longest such streak in franchise history.
Wizards’ Struggles Continue
For the Wizards (17-65), the loss capped off a dismal season. Washington ended the year on a 10-game skid, dropping 26 of their final 27 contests. Their lone bright spot came from rookie Jamir Watkins, who set a career-high with 24 points. Sharife Cooper and Bub Carrington each added 20 points.
Carrington, who played in all 82 games for the second straight season, became the first player since Karl-Anthony Towns (2016-17) to achieve that feat in his first two NBA years.
Despite a late push—cutting Cleveland’s lead to just two in the fourth quarter—Washington couldn’t complete the comeback.
Playoffs Loom for Cavs, Draft Lottery for Wizards
The Cavaliers now turn their attention to their first-round playoff matchup against the Toronto Raptors. With momentum on their side—winning 11 of their last 14—Cleveland looks poised for a deep postseason run.
Meanwhile, the Wizards will anxiously await the NBA Draft Lottery in May, hoping for a top pick to help turn around their struggling franchise.
— Reported by Nexio News
