Cavaliers' Unsung Heroes Spark Winning Streak

Cleveland's second unit brings energy and defense to complement the team's star power

Feb. 21, 2026 at 10:34pm

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have been on a winning streak, and it's not just star player Donovan Mitchell leading the charge. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has been equally impressed by the team's second unit, a high-energy trio of Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder, and Nae'Quan Tomlin, who are shifting the tempo of games and disrupting opponents with their relentless defense and pace.

Why it matters

The Cavaliers' bench mob is proving to be a valuable asset, providing a change of pace that can swing the momentum of games. Their defensive intensity and ability to force turnovers are key factors in Cleveland's recent success, complementing the team's star power and helping them maintain their position in the playoff race.

The details

Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder, and Nae'Quan Tomlin make up the Cavaliers' high-energy second unit. Ellis uses his quick hands, vertical leap, and impressive length to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots, often sparking transition opportunities. Schroder applies suffocating full-court pressure, wearing down opposing guards and shrinking their operating space. Tomlin adds versatility, helping the unit switch, scramble, and recover without losing momentum. Together, this trio may not be the team's top scorers, but they change the emotional temperature of the game through their effort, anticipation, and unrelenting pace.

  • The Cavaliers have been on a winning streak since the All-Star break.

The players

Keon Ellis

A member of the Cavaliers' second unit, known for his quick hands, vertical leap, and impressive length, which he uses to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots.

Dennis Schroder

A member of the Cavaliers' second unit, known for his full-court intensity and ability to apply suffocating 94-foot pressure, wearing down opposing guards and shrinking their operating space.

Nae'Quan Tomlin

A member of the Cavaliers' second unit, known for his energy and versatility, helping the unit switch, scramble, and recover without losing momentum.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' star player, who continues to lead the team's offensive charge.

Kenny Atkinson

The Cavaliers' head coach, who has been impressed by the team's second unit and their ability to shift the tempo of games.

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What they’re saying

“That second unit is our energy unit, and it just all of a sudden changes the whole speed of the game. We speed the other team up, and it's nice to have that change of pace. I know that's hard to play against.”

— Kenny Atkinson, Head Coach (SI.com)

“I just love that he knows his role right off the bat. I didn't even have a sit-down with him. Like he knows what this team needs. And he's done it in previous stops. He's got a history of this; he has not skipped a beat. Exactly what we need with the ball pressure and causing turnovers.”

— Kenny Atkinson, Head Coach (SI.com)

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to continue their winning streak as they head into the final stretch of the regular season, with their second unit playing a crucial role in maintaining their momentum.

The takeaway

The Cavaliers' second unit, led by Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder, and Nae'Quan Tomlin, has emerged as a valuable asset for the team, providing a defensive spark and change of pace that can shift the momentum of games. Their relentless effort and ability to disrupt opponents have been key factors in Cleveland's recent success, complementing the team's star power and positioning them for a strong playoff push.