Meleek Thomas impresses in Cavs’ 103-94 loss to Pistons

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Meleek Thomas #15 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high fives teammate during the game against the Indiana Pacers on July 10, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images The Cleveland Cavaliers have dropped their first two games in Las Vegas.

They fall to 0-2 in Summer League, this time suffering a 103-94 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Cleveland trailed by double digits early. Detroit’s Chaz Lanier scored 17 points in the opening seven minutes to cause that.

The Cavs would eventually get things under control and rally back in the second half. That comeback fell short, just like it did on Friday when the Cavs had a similar loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. The loss wasn’t the only thing that carried forward, however.

Meleek Thomas’s strong showing also translated to Sunday. Thomas, the 34th pick in the most recent draft, looked impressive as the lead ball-handler today. Cleveland has put him in a position to orchestrate the offense in a way he never could with Arkansas.

This increased opportunity is leading to instant results, with Thomas’s playmaking being the biggest takeaway from this game. Thomas dished 7 assists in the first three quarters. He kept his head up, manipulating the floor and creating advantages at every turn.

This one-handed skip pass to the opposite corner was straight up ridiculous. It takes serious creativity to think of this in real-time. Meleek Thomas is doing absurd things pic.

twitter.com/WR1bT4dUl3— Tony Pesta (@Tony_Pesta) July 12, 2026The Cavs are confident they found a first-round talent with the 34th pick. Thomas is proving them right by showing he can do more than catch-and-shoot away from the ball.

His patience and comp