As much as things change, they stay the same. The Cleveland Cavaliers opened the new season with a performance that was eerily similar (and equally as deflating) to their Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks in May.
Let’s unpack this.
As always, grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Player of the game
Mario Hezonja
10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
If there is a single thing I can leave this game feeling encouraged about — it was Mario Hezonja.
Hezonja looks like he belongs. His added strength
allows him to be a mismatch-beater in the post, putting Philly into a bind anytime they switched a smaller player onto him. Hezonja is a skilled finisher and a crafty playmaker. This makes him a great option to have on their bench.
Defensively, Hezonja kept up with Philly’s pace (until the wheels came off around him). His isolation defense on Jaylen Brown was a highlight. So was this pick-six.
He also had a pair of surgical post-ups to end the third quarter that gave me life.
Grade: B+
Passed the Class
Donovan Mitchell
32 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 turnovers
There was a lot to like about Mitchell’s first half. He scored 22 points and only missed two shots. His dynamic scoring gave Cleveland a massive lead that should have been enough to coast to victory.
It wasn’t. And Mitchell’s turnovers (5) didn’t help the Cavs hold on as the lead was slipping.
Still, I think Mitchell is the only other player who did enough to keep a passing grade. I’m not saying he passed with flying colors — but an efficient 32 points and 10 rebounds is hard to knock. I don’t think he was the most guilty party in this meltdown.
Grade: C+
Missed the mark
Peyton Watson
8 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 5 turnovers
This was not a good showing for Watson. The biggest concern you could have had (his effect on the floor spacing) was a factor right away.
Philly began ignoring Watson in the second half. Leaving him open and packing the paint. He responded by clanking an open three-pointer and barreling into traffic. Watson shot 0-3 from downtown and had 5 turnovers.
We can see where Watson fits defensively, and it’s beautiful. But they’ll need much more from him offensively to justify this.
Grade: F
Jarrett Allen
14 points, 7 rebounds
Allen was electric to start this game. His 14 points in the first half felt massive as the 76ers simply couldn’t contain him.
It turns out, the Cavs would help Philly turn the tide in that regard.
Allen didn’t score in the second half. He only attempted one shot.
Much of this came from the aforementioned floor-spacing issues. You can’t pass the ball into the paint if there are five bodies there.
Still, how many times have the Cavs soared to a massive lead by riding the backs of their bigs, only to ignore them down the stretch?
I don’t get paid to solve the problem… but I can confidently say the Cavs need to figure this out!
Grade: D+
Evan Mobley
18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists
I could repeat almost everything I said about Allen here.
Mobley was fantastic in the first half, particularly in the second quarter when his outside shot made it feel pointless for the Sixers to even try.
But those results were diminishing, and Mobley struggled to hit perimeter shots and create a bucket when given a runway. I’m placing this more on Mobley than anyone else. He has to find a way to avoid scenarios like this if the Cavs are going to be taken as serious threats.
Grade: F
James Harden
16 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 turnovers
Harden was playing fast and loose for most of the night. There was a sequence in the first half where he turned it over on consecutive possessions, topping it off with an airball on the third.
He was far from their biggest problem. In fact, his shot-making gave them a fighting chance in the final minutes. But still, your starting point guard can’t have more turnovers than made field goals if you want to win a game.
Grade: D+
