Timing is important. Cruz had a great opportunity last night. Although anything is possible, it’s hard to imagine him having a better opportunity between now and November to endorse Trump, unify the party, satisfy hardcore conservatives, slay the witch, win the election... and save the country.
Other than that, Cruz did fine.
Maybe Trump wanted him to do this and he agreed. The fallout shows that the GOP is united behind Trump and Cruz is on the outside looking in with little sympathy or support. It made Trump look great.
This is what I would like to think really happened. That cruz just took a major one for the team.