​The Cleveland Cavaliers opened their 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League with a 99-93 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Cleveland fought back late, pacing Indiana in the final period with a 26-11 surge and shooting 11-for-6 from the floor during the stretch. Although the comeback fell short, the display was entertaining and promising for future growth.
Rookie Meleek Thomas led the Cavaliers with 20 points, hitting 7-of-14 from the floor. He found his rhythm late in the fourth quarter, igniting the comeback by showcasing his scoring instincts off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. Cleveland is encouraged by the 34th pick’s potential to develop as a scorer, continuing a trend of promising young talent in the system. Thomas impressed as a freshman at Arkansas with a clean jumper and a knack for finding his spots. While he spent most of college basketball as a secondary option, he seized the moment against Indiana by handling the lead ball responsibilities and proving he can run the offense. Cleveland even deployed Thomas at point guard, and the strategic move paid off as he helped spark the late rally.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin also stood out for the Cavaliers. Tomlin began his professional career on a two-way deal with Cleveland before earning a standard contract last season. He is determined to graduate from Summer League duties by demonstrating that he belongs in a larger role beyond this setting. Tomlin totaled 20 points and 6 rebounds, showing off his ball-handling ability and athleticism that the Cavs have been seeking to add to their frontcourt. He attacked off the dribble and knocked down two triples, signaling a versatility that could enhance Cleveland’s perimeter threats. Last season, Tomlin’s shooting efficiency trailed the league, but any improvement in his outside shooting would significantly bolster his overall impact.
Malaki Branham contributed 15 points, along with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block, highlighting his all-around contributions alongside his scoring. Riley Minnix added 10 points and 5 rebounds, providing steady support. Ernest Udah Jr. had a quieter 4 points and 2 rebounds across 20 minutes. Tristan Enaruna, the Cavaliers’ third and final two-way player, scored 2 points on a 1-for-7 shooting line off the bench, underscoring the challenge of adjusting to Summer League competition.
Looking ahead, Cleveland has a reminder of the talent they possess at guard and wing, and the potential of Tomlin and Thomas to develop into meaningful contributors. The Cavaliers’ next test comes against the Milwaukee Bucks, scheduled for 3:30 PM on Sunday, a game that will offer another chance to see how these young players adapt to the fast pace and physicality of Summer League basketball.
For basketball fans and followers of the Cavaliers’ development pipeline, the performance in this opening Summer League matchup provides several takeaways. The late-game push demonstrates resilience and the capacity for younger players to step into larger roles when opportunities arise. Thomas’s and Tomlin’s performances offer a glimpse of what Cleveland might cultivate as the season progresses: guard-driven playmaking, improved ball handling, and the potential for additional scoring threats in a frontcourt that has sought complementary creators.
In summary, the Cavaliers fell to the Pacers 99-93 in a game that showcased the team’s young talent and their potential for growth. The late 4th-quarter surge offered a glimpse into a promising future, particularly from Meleek Thomas and Nae’Qwan Tomlin, whose performances hint at deeper contributions as they continue to develop their games in Summer League action and beyond. Cleveland will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.