The Cleveland Cavaliers have won five straight after knocking down the Washington Wizards 138-113.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
30 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
The Cavs can thank Mitchell for dragging them through the early stretch of the season. Now? All systems are cleared for takeoff as Cleveland has one of the best players in the league, with the best record since late December, and one of the easiest remaining schedules.
Grade: A+
James Harden
13 points, 11 assists, 4 rebounds
Harden looks like he’s playing in a sandbox. With a dominant pick-and-roll partner and three-point shooters galore around him, we’ve seen Harden dish the ball at an elite level over his last three games. Tonight was no different.
He might have only taken four shot attempts, but he managed to get himself to the line for 12 free throws.
Grade: A–
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Jarrett Allen
21 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks
Beast mode.
That’s the only way to describe the last week Allen has played. Another 25 points and 9 rebounds feels too easy, at this point.
Grade: A+
Jaylon Tyson
7 points, 1 assist, 5 rebounds
Tyson didn’t have his shot falling tonight. That’s no big deal; the Cavs didn’t need him to score. He finished as a plus-19 despite shooting 2-6 from the floor.
Grade: C+
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Keon Ellis
6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
Ellis will quickly earn rotation minutes if he plays like this. Quality off-ball movement, disruptive defense, and efficient shooting. These are all the makings of a fine role player.
Grade: A-
Nae’Qwan Tomlin
8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Is it too late to enter Qwan into the dunk contest?
At one point in this game, Tomlin picked someone’s pockets and then threw down a viscious windmill dunk. It’s the type of stuff that’s become common for this newly minted NBA wing.
Grade: B+
Dennis Schroder
7 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds
Schroder struggled from the floor but made up for it by getting to the free-throw line and going 5-5.
Grade: C+
Sam Merrill
32 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block
Whew, this was a heat check if I’ve ever seen one.
Merrill shot 7-for-7 from deep in the first half, lighting up the Wizards for 26 points without even missing a shot. He finished the game with a career-high 32 points and only missed one field goal. Sammy, this was something special.
Grade: A+++
