The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off their gutsiest win of the 2020s. Let’s celebrate before getting nervous about Game 6 on Friday.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 turnovers
This game started as a disaster. It nearly ended as one, too.
Mitchell was stripped on the final possession. His turnover, combined with a horrific shooting night, could have cost them an inspiring comeback.
Thankfully, Mitchell has a short memory. He scored seven
points in overtime, pushing the Cavs over the finish line and saving himself from a bummer night.
Frustrations aside, I did think Mitchell was taking good shots in the flow of the offense. His process was better than the results. That, and his overtime scoring, explain the grade.
Grade: C-
James Harden
30 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks, 6 turnovers
Harden put the first two games of this series in the past and had the Cavs offense on his back tonight. Sure, we had the occasional turnover that makes you want to pull your hair out. But Harden’s shot-making was one of the only things keeping Cleveland in the game.
The Cavs offense was prone to droughts in previous years. Winning a game that involved poor shooting from Mitchell felt impossible. That’s no longer the case, as Harden’s kept them above water even in Mitchell’s worst moments. That’s huge.
His carelessness with the ball (six turnovers) and occasional lack of effort defensively ding his grade. Still, it’s a make-or-miss league, and the Cavs wouldn’t be leading 3-2 in the series if he wasn’t making shots tonight.
Grade: A
Evan Mobley
19 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks
Mobley took a while to get going tonight. His playmaking was a bright spot, but the Cavs need him to do more than create in the short roll. Once he started scoring and re-establishing himself on defense, the game suddenly became winnable.
The Cavs leaned on Mobley heavily down the stretch. He scored seven points in the closing minutes of regulation to erase a nine-point deficit. He also shut things down defensively, turning the tide and stifling Detroit in the clutch.
Grade: A+
Jarrett Allen
16 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks
It’s easy to miss how impactful Allen has been for the Cavs this postseason. Smaller nights like tonight can fly under the radar. But an efficient double-double and elite rim protection from your fourth-best player is a luxury. Allen has thoroughly outplayed Jalen Duren in this series and deserves recognition.
Grade: A
Dean Wade
0 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal
Wade has not scored since the second quarter of Game 3. He’s only attempted three shots in his last 63 minutes of the series. That’s… not enough.
Still, Wade’s helped put the Cavs defense where it needs to be. They don’t have enough size on the wing to cut him from the rotation. And, he’s honestly been as helpful as anyone can be while being a zero on offense. That’s worth something.
Grade: C–
Max Strus
20 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block
The Cavs don’t win tonight without Strus. Point blank period.
Strus made all the winning plays. His three-point barrage in the first half was key to keeping the game competitive. He continued pouring it on in the second half while ramping up the defensive intensity to push Cade Cunningham over the edge. His physicality wore on Cade throughout the game and eventually rang victorious in the closing minutes.
Grade: A+++
Jaylon Tyson
0 everything, 3 minutes
Tyson got into a scuffle with Isaiah Stewart and Tobias Harris only moments after checking into the game. I thought that might fuel the Cavs. Instead, it actually deflated them. Tyson was on the floor as Detroit opened the second quarter, shooting 8-8 from the field, and worked towards their biggest lead.
Grade: F
Dennis Schroder
5 points, 5 assists, 2 turnovers
I don’t have anything new to say about Schroder. He’s earned his place in the rotation and is an important cog in the machine offensively. Even the tiniest bits of usage that Schroder can carry help take the load off Mitchell and Harden’s shoulders.
Grade: C+
Sam Merrill
6 points, 1 assist, 1 steal
I’m just waiting for Merrill to let loose in one of these games. He entered tonight as the second-worst ‘open’ shooter of the playoffs and went 2-5 on mostly clean looks today. That can’t be sustainable, right? Sam feels too talented to keep missing good looks.
Grade: D+
