The Cleveland Cavaliers came roaring out to a 15-point lead and looked ready to cruise to their first comfortable win of the season. But if there is anything we have learned about the Cavs so far this year, it is that nothing has come easy. That was the case again tonight, as the Atlanta Hawks used a huge second quarter to knock off the Cavs 114-111.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents that player performing to our expectations for them.
James Harden
24 points,
4 assists, 5 rebounds
It’s been a slow start to the season for Harden, but tonight he paced the Cavs’ offense and took nine free throws. There is still some rust being shaken off by the team as a whole, but expectations for the 37-year-old may need to be tempered right now.
Grade: B
Donovan Mitchell
22 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
It was not a good shooting night for Mitchell, and he had two chances at the end of the game to send the Cavs to overtime that were off the mark. The Cavs are still looking for a signature moment from Mitchell this season, and he had an opportunity for it tonight. But 7-for-19 from the floor is tough to overcome for the Cavs.
Grade: B-
Evan Mobley
11 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block
What happened to the outside shooting? After having a blistering game from beyond the arc last time out against the Wizards, Mobley only attempted three from downtown and missed all of them. His seven assists somehow led the team, but the shooting and rebounding leave something to be desired. Mobley’s game is up and down right now.
Grade: B-
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Peyton Watson
4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
What a strange game from Watson. His 22 minutes of court time were not very productive, and he ended up with more fouls (5) than points scored (4). The Cavs were -10 in his minutes, and he missed nearly all of the third quarter in foul trouble. Had Watson put together just a 10% better game, the Cavs likely would’ve won this one.
Grade: D
Jarrett Allen
14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks
Steady Jarrett Allen strikes again. He remains a high-floor player, though his main matchup, Onyeka Okongwu, absolutely torched the Cavs for 29 points and 12 rebounds. Much like most of Allen’s games, he is effective but rarely game-breaking.
Grade: B
Jaylon Tyson
3 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assists
It’s hard to be happy with Tyson in this one, especially in a game where the Cavs really could have used his shooting and size. Instead, it was Tyrese Proctor who passed him in bench minutes. Cleveland is going to really need more from Tyson, especially in games where Watson is in foul trouble.
Grade: D+
Mario Hezonja
10 points, 2 assists, 6 rebounds
Hezonja had a nice second half to try and keep the Cavs in this game, but it was not enough. His active hands are helpful on the defensive end, and his offense brings some energy for a group that has been more inconsistent than you’d like.
Grade: C+
Craig Porter Jr.
0 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists
In a turn of events, Porter was bypassed by Proctor off the bench. The veteran Porter finished with an inconsequential four minutes of court time.
Grade: F
Sam Merrill
16 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists
The Cavs’ hot start can be partially attributed to Merrill’s shooting, though he cooled off in the second half. He led the bench in scoring, too.
Grade: B
Tyrese Proctor
7 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
Given the injury to Maleek Thomas, Proctor stepped in and had a nice third quarter to bring some energy to an otherwise slow frame. Proctor’s size allowed him to grab six boards, and he didn’t turn the ball over either. There was a lot to like about Proctor tonight, and his length may make him a more versatile option in the backcourt against bigger teams.
Grade: B-
