Cavs Starter Leaves Thursday's Win vs. Bulls Due to Injury

Jaylon Tyson's fluke toe injury sidelined him for the final 9 minutes of the game.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 6:41am

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Cavs swingman Jaylon Tyson, who was starting in place of the injured Donovan Mitchell, left Thursday's game against the Bulls with a toe injury. Tyson said he "banged it on the floor" and tried to tough it out, but didn't want to be a "detriment to the team." Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said Tyson was in line to finish the game before the injury occurred.

Why it matters

Tyson has seen his role and playing time fluctuate this season as the Cavs made roster changes. This injury comes at a crucial time as Tyson was trying to prove himself and earn more minutes in the rotation.

The details

Tyson suffered the toe injury while defending a Bulls player on a fast break in the fourth quarter. He remained in the game briefly but eventually went to the locker room and did not return. The severity of the injury is still unknown, and the Cavs expect to have more information on Friday.

  • Tyson was injured with about 9 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
  • Tyson tried to play through the injury but eventually went to the locker room.

The players

Jaylon Tyson

A 23-year-old second-year swingman for the Cavaliers who was starting in place of the injured Donovan Mitchell.

Kenny Atkinson

The head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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What they’re saying

“Banged it on the floor. Unfortunate situation. I tried to tough it out, but I didn't want to be a detriment to the team.”

— Jaylon Tyson, Cavaliers Player

“We were trying to get him going again. I think throwing him in the starting lineup tried to jumpstart him, and he answered the bell. I thought he was really good. He was Jaylon. Getting offensive rebounds. All over the place. Picking up full court. Credit to him.”

— Kenny Atkinson, Cavaliers Head Coach

What’s next

The Cavaliers expect to have more information on the severity of Jaylon Tyson's toe injury on Friday when the team arrives in New Orleans.

The takeaway

Tyson's injury is a setback as he was trying to prove himself and earn more playing time in the Cavaliers' rotation. The team will need to monitor his status closely as they continue their playoff push.