Player Grades: Cavs vs. Pacers
Mitchell wasn’t going to let the Cavaliers lose to the Pacers again
The Cleveland Cavaliers avenged the loss to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday with a 127-117 win on Tuesday.
Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
35 points (12-23 shooting), 9 rebounds, 3 assists
If anyone took the loss on Sunday to heart it appeared to be Mitchell. He scored 19 points in the first quarter alone. It seemed for a while it was “Mitchell and the Mitchettes” like seasons past. However, the team picked it up after Mitchell closed the first half with 27 points.
While Mitchell wasn’t needed as much in the second half, the Cavaliers wouldn’t have been in the contest if it wasn’t for him putting the offense on his back. Halves like this are a reminder of why Mitchell is the leader of this team. When the Cavaliers’ offense is bogged down, Mitchell can put on his cape and save the day.
Grade: A+
Darius Garland
24 points (9-18 shooting), 7 assists
It looked like Garland was down for the count with a left leg injury at one point in the second quarter. Scary hours aside, Garland returned to the game and hit clutch shots down the stretch to seal the game for the Cavaliers. His turnaround this season, especially being the closer in a game where Mitchell had it going, is always a pleasant development.
Garland, when he is in a groove as he has been lately, is one of the hardest players to defend. He has a bag that is hard to replicate in this league between all his hesitation moves, mind-boggling passes, and deadly floaters.
Grade: A
Evan Mobley
22 points (8-12 shooting), 13 rebounds, 1 assist
Mobley has spoiled us lately that this game is just one of many. In the third quarter, Mobley showed the national media that he could in fact shoot threes consistently as he nailed back-to-back shots from the perimeter. His offensive showing was an instrumental part of the Cavaliers’ 38-point third quarter.
Grade: A-
Jarrett Allen
16 points (5-6 shooting), 9 rebounds, 2 assists
Mr. Consistent reported for duty on Tuesday night. Allen was reliable in showing off his ethical skills. He was highly efficient in his limited attempts and was an active stopper on the defensive end as well. When he and Mobley have games like they did Tuesday, they are about as formidable a tandem as one can encounter.
Grade: B+
Dean Wade
0 points (0-3 shooting), 3 rebounds
Rough game from Dean. Similarly to Sunday’s game against Indiana, Wade was nearly invisible and the defense was not enough to warrant the non-factor on offense. I would not be surprised if Wade gets moved back to the bench at some point as the thought experiment appears to have run its course.
Grade: D
Max Strus
13 points (4-8 shooting), 4 rebounds, 4 assists
On the other side of the coin, I have seen enough for Strus to be back in the starting lineup. Strus’s shooting and off-ball movement are always a plus, however, his effort on the defensive end was what stood out in tonight’s game. He was cutting off passing lanes, using active hands, and proved to be a thorn in his matchup’s side. He is a different type of wing that the Cavaliers can truly benefit from whichever role they feel is best.
Grade: B+
Caris LeVert
7 points (1-6 shooting), 5 rebounds, 7 assists
Shooting splits-wise, this was a rough game from Caris. However, judging this game off of shooting would be a disservice to how well LeVert played in all other facets. He stepped in during Garland’s extended break in the third quarter and immediately filled the role. LeVert was operating as the primary ball handler for long stretches and it wasn’t as bad as any of us were probably anticipating. He constantly showed his improvement and how invaluable he is to this Cavaliers team.
Grade: B+
Georges Niang
7 points (3-5 shooting), 3 rebounds
Niang was a rough play against a more athletic Pacers team. Some of the worst defensive stretches were with Niang on the floor. While it’s unfair to pin this on Niang, once Atkinson wanted to dial up the defense, his minutes were gone.
Grade: C
Sam Merrill
3 points (1-5 shooting), 1 rebound
Where oh where has Sam Merrill’s shooting gone? For the sake of Jackson’s mental health and my well-being I beg you, Sam Merrill, please find your shot. Merrill is taking quality shots and the opportunities are there. I keep hoping for good stretches but consistency is missing.
Grade: D+
Isaac Okoro
0 points (0-3 shooting), 1 assist, 1 rebound
Okoro was there. I do not feel like I can really depict anything outside of this simple math: Okoro missed shots in a high-scoring game, therefore Okoro could not be on the floor. A recipe as old as time. Without Tyrese Haliburton on the floor for Indiana, the need for him was not there.