The Cleveland Cavaliers are on a roll. They’ve won six straight and are 13-2 since January 14th. Jarrett Allen has been dominant throughout.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player. We also won’t be grading garbage time. Sorry, Tristan Enaruna. You were fun to watch.
Donovan Mitchell
17 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds
Mitchell must feel like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders. He’s able to freely attack defenses without having to do everything for Cleveland. He’s no longer their leading scorer and best playmaker. He can instead fall back into his comfort zone as a volume shooter who can dish the ball in the right spaces. That should lead to an even more efficient Mitchell as we move into the playoffs.
Grade: A+
James Harden
16 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals
Harden put on a clinic tonight. He was in full control of the offense, throwing dimes left and right while getting to the rim whenever he wanted. His playmaking is bringing out the best in everyone, and he’s a big reason for the crowd being lively in Cleveland once again. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Harden experience thus far.
Grade: A+
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Jarrett Allen
15 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks
Rolling hard to the basket. Burying mismatches and drawing free throws. Blocking opponents at the rim. Catching lobs from the dunker’s spot. Allen is doing it all, and the Cavs are surging because of it.
Grade: A+
Jaylon Tyson
11 points, 2 assists, 5 rebounds
Tyson’s development has been fascinating to watch. He’s filled whatever role is asked of him. And, as he grows more comfortable creating in the short-roll, his pairing with either Mitchell or Harden should only get more fun to watch. He’s an underrated screener, and he’s playing next to two of the best manipulators in the game.
Grade: A-
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Keon Ellis
7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 blocks
I can get used to watching Ellis play for the Cavs. He’s an electric defender who makes all of the highlight plays while bringing enough offensive juice to be on the floor in any lineup. Consider me a fan.
Grade: A+
Evan Mobley
10 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block
Mobley returned from his calf injury tonight. He was limited by a minutes restriction (and the Cavs ended this game early), but the early results of Mobley running the pick-and-roll next to Harden have been positive. And, he’s still a menace defensively.
Grade: A-
Dennis Schroder
12 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds
Schroder started this game with an ugly airball from the short corner. You don’t see those very often in the NBA. Outside of that, he was a helpful contributor in a huge win.
Grade: B+
Sam Merrill
3 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Merrill couldn’t miss a shot in his previous game against the Wizards. He crashed back to Earth with a 1-4 shooting performance tonight. It happens.
Grade: B-
Dean Wade
11 points, 5 rebounds
Wade returned from injury and nailed his first two shot attempts. He finished the game a perfect 4-4 from the floor, hitting three triples and providing elite defense. AWOOOOOOO.
Grade: A+++