The Cleveland Cavaliers had a solid all-around game as they picked up a stress-free 119-105 win over the Orlando Magic.
Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player. A “B” represents an average
performance for that player.
Donovan Mitchell
36 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Mitchell struggled to get going early. He had just nine points on 4-12 shooting at the break, and he very much looked like someone playing their second game in as many nights.
But it’s often not about how you start, but how you finish.
Mitchell was spectacular in the closing two quarters. He poured in 27 points in the second half on 11-18 shooting. Orlando didn’t have an answer for him as Mitchell continually got to the basket and was able to bury them with clutch threes.
The Cavs didn’t necessarily need a 36-point outing to win this game, this was a solid performance up and down the roster. However, the incredible scoring in the second half allowed this to be the double-digit victory that it was.
Grade: A
Jaylon Tyson
17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
The most encouraging part about Tyson’s offensive impact this season has been how he’s been able to find his spots within the flow of the offense. There isn’t any over-dribbling or indecision. He either goes up quickly with the shot or keeps the ball moving to find the open man.
It helps that Tyson has been one of the most efficient off-ball shooters in the league. Tyson came into this game shooting 46.3% on 4.3 catch-and-shoot threes. That’s in the top ten for players who’ve attempted more than to catch-and-shoot threes per game. That number is going to go up as he went 3-5 from beyond the arc in the win.
Additionally, the two-man game between him and Mitchell continues to grow. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has credited their development together to how much time they spend discussing and practicing those actions. That came in useful again here.
Overall, it was another good performance for someone who’s far exceeded expectations this season.
Grade: A
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Evan Mobley
14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
The offensive process was solid. Mobley tried to get to his spots on the court and was aggressive with his moves. The issue was that his shots weren’t going as he went 4-14 from the floor. That’s not too surprising given it was the second night of a back-to-back and the Magic front court is much more physical than the Sacramento Kings’.
The Cavs’ interior defense was impressive. He, Jarrett Allen, and Dean Wade deserve credit for that.
Grade: C+
Tyrese Proctor
12 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Proctor’s game has often looked better than the results. He has a good understanding of where he should be on the court, takes shots within the flow of the offense, and competes on the defensive end. And when the shot is falling, like it did in Orlando, he can provide a much-needed boost off the bench.
Grade: A
Craig Porter Jr.
4 points, 1 assist, 0 rebounds
This was a relatively quiet night for Porter. He didn’t play bad by any stretch. He just didn’t have a large impact on the outcome.
Grade: C
Lonzo Ball
6 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists
Ball does a lot of things well on the court. Those come through more in games that don’t turn into three-point shooting contests.
It’s easy to point out a player’s flaw when it’s something as obvious as struggling with the outside shot. Those struggles shouldn’t overshadow how good a rebounder, facilitator, and all-around basketball player he can be on nights like this.
Grade: A-
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Jarrett Allen
8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist
Allen didn’t make much of an impact as a scorer, but he did show up on the defensive end by contributing three steals and two blocks.
Grade: C
Nae’Qwan Tomlin
9 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists
Three-point shooting has been an issue for Tomlin this season. It wasn’t on Saturday as he went 2-4 on outside shots.
Tomlin’s energy, offensive rebounding, and finishing inside have been much needed. It’s easier to get him on the court to showcase those skills if the three-ball is an asset, as it was here.
Grade: B+
Thomas Bryant
4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
The Cavs needed extra energy on the second night of a back-to-back. Bryant provided that in the limited time he was on the court, while also hitting a momentum-saving three at the end of the third quarter to make it a double-digit lead heading into the fourth. He did his job.
Grade: B+
Dean Wade
10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Wade’s defense is incredibly valuable for this starting unit to the point that anything he provides on the offensive end feels like a bonus. He didn’t have a scoring outburst against Orlando, but the baskets he made either turned the momentum or kept the momentum going. That included an impressive layup from nearly behind the backboard after a three-quarter court pass from Mitchell.
Grade: A-
