The Cleveland Cavaliers rolled the Philadelphia 76ers 115-101.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
James Harden
21 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, 29 minutes
Chef Harden was cooking tonight. This was one of those games where Harden felt two steps ahead of the defense. His step-back jumpers and dimes to the corner were so much fun to watch.
Grade: A
Donovan Mitchell
17 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists
The Cavs didn’t need Mitchell to exert himself too much on the second night of a back-to-back. He shot just 4-11
from the floor, but worked his way to the free-throw line for nine attempts. Cleveland’s double-digit lead allowed Mitchell to coast for most of the night.
Grade: B
Evan Mobley
15 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks, 28 minutes
Another strong showing from Mobley, who has been stringing these games together since returning from his calf injury. Mobley is back to being a supreme downhill threat while being an all-world defender.
Grade: A-
Jaylon Tyson
11 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists
Tyson felt much more comfortable against the Sixers than he did versus Boston. He had plenty of easy catch-and-shoot opportunities, as well as converting a tough finish in the lane during the fourth quarter.
Grade: B+
Dennis Schroder
4 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound
There’s a trend emerging. Schroder can be very helpful in small doses. The more his usage increases, the larger the risk. But the Cavs got just the right amount of Schroder tonight.
Grade: C+
Sam Merrill
5 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds
I’m not sure if Merrill fits in the starting lineup. It increasingly feels like Jaylon Tyson should be in this position, as both players would likely benefit from this change. Merrill was 1-6 from the floor tonight. That said, he did dish out five assists.
Grade: C+
Keon Ellis
19 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
Ellis was on fire tonight. He nailed three three-pointers in the first half, building an early lead for his team while demoralizing the Sixers’ bench. There’s nothing to complain about when Ellis is burying threes and playing lockdown defense.
Grade: A+
Dean Wade
13 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists
Wade shot 3-of-6 from three tonight and provided his usual defensive impact. That’s everything you want from Wade.
Grade: A+
Thomas Bryant
8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
Bryant got back on track tonight with a 2-5 three-point shooting performance. This is closer to what we’ve grown accustomed to.
Grade: B
