CLEVELAND — Cavaliers backup point guard Dennis Schroder deflected a pass by Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore and dived headfirst onto the floor while attempting secure a loose ball with 8:23 left in the first half.

Earlier in the second quarter, Cavs reserve guard Keon Ellis dunked on Nets forward Danny Wolf and blocked a corner 3-pointer by Nets forward Ziaire Williams on the next possession.

Advertisement

Although Cleveland’s trade for 11-time All-Star James Harden has justifiably received the most attention from fans and media, the other deal the Cavs executed ahead of the NBA’s Feb. 5 deadline to bring Schroder and Ellis aboard has yielded favorable early returns.

“I hated playing Dennis before, so having him on our side is awesome,” Cavs forward Dean Wade said Feb. 19 after Cleveland dominated Brooklyn at Rocket Arena. “The way he picks up, the energy he brings in the second unit is a boost. It really helps us take that next step, and then the defense that Keon brings us is unbelievable.”

Cavs news: Jaylon Tyson says his NFL prospect brother Jordyn wants to join Cleveland Browns

1 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

1 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

2 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland, who was acquired earlier in the day in a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers, sits in the stands to watch a game against the Cavs on Feb. 4, 2026, in Inglewood, California.

3 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

PORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 01: Jarrett Allen #31 is doused with water by teammate Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 01, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

4 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) slam dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

5 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 and Jake LaRavia #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers guard Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

6 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Jan 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

7 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 24: Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic collects a rebound against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Kia Center on January 24, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

8 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Jan 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

9 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes to the basket while guarded by Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller on Jan. 21, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.\

10 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 19: Guard Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Rocket Arena on January 19, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

11 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 16: Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

12 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, center, drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers defenders Joel Embiid, left, and Kelly Oubre Jr. on Jan. 14, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

13 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Jan 12, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (42) fouls Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

14 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Jan 10, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’qwan Tomlin (35) goes for a loose ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) and guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

15 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Jan 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) defends against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

16 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) blocks the shot of Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) in the first half, Jan. 6, 2026, in Indianapolis.

17 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

18 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Jan 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) looks to pass while being defended by Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

19 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) goes up for a dunk during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

20 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Dec 29, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

21 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter during the second half, Dec. 27, 2025, in Houston.

22 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) shoots the ball during the first quarter as Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends at Madison Square Garden in New York on Dec. 25, 2025.

23 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter celebrates after a second-half dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans, Dec. 23, 2025, Cleveland.

24 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Dec 22, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson tries to get the attention of referee Natalie Sago (9) in the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

25 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) loses the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) on Dec. 19, 2025, in Cleveland.

26 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Dec 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) chase the ball during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

27 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots against the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 14, 2025, in Cleveland.

28 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Dec 12, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jamir Watkins (5) dunks the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

29 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Dec 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) works against Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

30 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket as San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) defends Dec. 5, 2025, in Cleveland.

31 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter rebounds in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers, Dec. 3, 2025, in Cleveland.

32 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Dec 1, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) looses the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

33 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) passes during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

34 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye (18) reaches for the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’Quan Tomlin (35) during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

35 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Nov 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luke Travers (33) comes down with a rebound against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

36 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin (35) blocks the shot of Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden on Nov. 23, 2025, in Cleveland.

37 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Nov 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) loses the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

38 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Nov 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes to the basket against Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

39 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

40 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Nov 15, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends a shot by Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

41 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Nov 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) drives between Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and guard Immanuel Quickley (5) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

42 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Cavs forward Larry Nance Jr. shoots over Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat during the first half, Nov. 12, 2025 in Miami.

43 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Nov 10, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) fight for a loose ball during the first period at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

44 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Nov 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes up for a dunk against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mitchell missed the dunk. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

45 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) and Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton chase a loose ball in the second half of a NBA Cup game, Nov. 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

46 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Nov 5, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) brings the ball up court in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Arena.

47 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Nov 2, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) celebrates with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

48 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Oct 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) defends a shot by Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

49 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Oct 29, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward/guard De’Andre Hunter (12) and Boston Celtics center Luka Garza (52) work for the ball in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

50 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) dunks as Detroit Pistons’ Tolu Smith looks on Oct. 27, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.

51 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

52 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Oct 24, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) blocks a shot taken by Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) in the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

53 / 53

Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

Oct 22, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) hangs on the rim after a dunk against New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Former Cavs wing De’Andre Hunter to undergo eye surgery

One night after thrashing the Nets 112-84, the Cavs (36-21) prevailed 118-113 on Feb. 20 at the Charlotte Hornets. A nationally televised game at the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder (43-14) awaits on Sunday, Feb. 22.

Advertisement

The Cavs are 6-0 with Schroder and Ellis, both of whom were acquired when Cleveland traded wing De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings, and 5-0 with Harden, who was swapped for point guard Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick.

Hunter played just two games with the Kings before NBA on Prime insider Chris Haynes first reported on Feb. 20 Hunter would undergo season-ending eye surgery. The surgery is the result of an injury Hunter suffered on Feb. 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers, who traded Harden to the Cavs.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis, right, is defended by Washington Wizards guard Jaden Hardy on Feb. 11, 2026, in Cleveland.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis, right, is defended by Washington Wizards guard Jaden Hardy on Feb. 11, 2026, in Cleveland.

Meanwhile, the Cavs are enjoying the contributions Schroder and Ellis have made off the bench amid a seven-game winning streak.

Advertisement

“I don’t know how many deflections those guys had [against the Nets] between them,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said. “Keon, I’m not sure I’ve seen that in the league. He can get in a passing lane. He had three blocks, and I knew that was part of his statistical profile, but to see it live is impressive.

“Dennis, the energy — it’s a nice contrast to our first unit, which is kind of bigger and we’re a little more physical. Then we throw Dennis in there and … Keon. It’s almost like a different look with our speed and aggressiveness defensively. I’m really excited about that second unit because of those guys.”

Cleveland Cavaliers guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis (14) react after scoring a basket against the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 7, 2026, in Sacramento, California.

Cleveland Cavaliers guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis (14) react after scoring a basket against the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 7, 2026, in Sacramento, California.

Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis stats with Cavs

A 13-year NBA veteran, Schroder is averaging 8.3 points on 36.2% shooting from the field (17.6% on 3-pointers), 2.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 19.9 minutes with the Cavs. He had 12 points against the Nets and eight against the Hornets.

Advertisement

In Ellis’ fourth NBA season, he is averaging 5.2 points on 46.2% shooting from the field (31.6% on 3s), 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 steals, one block and 21 minutes since joining the Cavs. He had seven points against the Nets and four against the Hornets.

Both players have been reinvigorated by transitioning from the tanking Kings (12-45) to a Cavs team aiming for a run to the NBA Finals.

“The chemistry, you can tell, is on a high notch,” Schroder, 32, said. “And we just want to keep it going.

“To be on this side now, where you play every single game to win, that excites me every single day.”

Former Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schroder (17) and ex-Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) talk with referee Sha’Rae Mitchell (98) in a game at Barclays Center. Schroder and Ellis are now Cleveland Cavaliers teammates.

Former Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schroder (17) and ex-Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) talk with referee Sha’Rae Mitchell (98) in a game at Barclays Center. Schroder and Ellis are now Cleveland Cavaliers teammates.

Cleveland has quickly embraced the tenacious duo of former Kings players.

Advertisement

“It’s a sports town,” Ellis, 26, said. “Actually, [former Cavs player] Matthew Dellavedova, he was my teammate when I was in Sacramento. He texted me when I got traded. He was like, ‘Yeah, you’ll love it. Definitely a sports city.’”

Passionate fans tend to rally around relentlessness, a trait the Cavs have lacked too often in recent playoff trips.

“Dennis, he just picks up the ball [on defense],” Cavs forward Evan Mobley said. “[As a] small guard, I think can turn people and make offenses start later in the shot clock. And Keon, I mean, he’s just everywhere. [Against the Nets] he got a corner-3 block. You don’t see that much. His offense, he dunked on like two people. He got a block and then saved it on top of the guy. He just does a lot of little things that you don’t really see.”

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder, left, drives to the basket as Brooklyn Nets guard Drake Powell (4) defends Feb. 19, 2026, in Cleveland.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder, left, drives to the basket as Brooklyn Nets guard Drake Powell (4) defends Feb. 19, 2026, in Cleveland.

Schroder said he learned six to seven years ago he can affect the game by adopting “the dog mentality” on defense. Others have noticed.

Advertisement

“Picking up full court, just he’s everywhere on defense,” Wade said. “He’s talking. He’s just messing with the ball if it goes in the net. Just simple things like he’s flying around on defense. He steals everything.”

Again, Wade hated encountering Schroder as an opponent. From competitor to competitor, there is no better compliment.

“It’s nice having him on our side,” Wade said.

Cavs news: Cavaliers small forward Max Strus expected to return during 2025-26 regular season

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng defends Jan. 19, 2026, in Cleveland.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng defends Jan. 19, 2026, in Cleveland.

What channel is Cavs vs Thunder on?

The Cavs are scheduled to visit the Thunder at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22. The game will be televised by ABC.

Advertisement

Cavs sign Darius Brown to two-way contract

On Feb. 20, the Cavs announced they signed guard Darius Brownto a two-way contract and waived forward Emanuel Miller, who had been on a two-way contract.

Brown has appeared in 34 games (30 starts) this season with the NBA G League’s Cleveland Charge, averaging 12.4 points, 9.7 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 33.5 minutes.

Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavaliers impressed with Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis since trade