The Cleveland Cavaliers held on for a win over the Chicago Bulls.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
James Harden
36 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, 5 turnovers
This was a Harden masterpiece through three quarters. He converted multiple four-point plays and canned seven three-pointers. His heliocentric control of the offense kept Cleveland grooving until suddenly, the Bulls found a way to disrupt his rhythm. The final quarter was hectic, but Harden made enough plays down the stretch to preserve
his grade. His iso-jumper with 31 seconds left was the knockout blow.
Grade: A+
Evan Mobley
26 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
Mobley made his presence known in the paint tonight. He hovered around the basket, cleaning up second-chance opportunities and crushing every lob thrown his way. Mobley posted yet another monster double-double just one game after dropping 27 points and 15 rebounds on the Bucks.
Grade: A+
Max Strus
0 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
Strus is starting to crash back down to Earth after his electric season debut. He shot 0-6 tonight and will clearly need some time to shake off the rust. The Cavs still elected to close the game with Strus — signalling that Kenny Atkinson trusts his vet to work through this in real time. He narrowly avoids the F simply because of his efforts outside of scoring.
Grade: D-
Keon Ellis
8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 4 turnovers
Ellis was erratic tonight. He shot 2-6 from the floor, committed 4 fouls, and turned it over four times. But he also collected 3 steals and a block. It was a mixed bag that’s difficult to grade. I’ll skew towards the positive for his thunderous dunk in closing time.
Grade: C+
Sam Merrill
13 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 2 blocks
Merrill hit a three-pointer in the fourth quarter that allowed me to breathe for the first time in multiple minutes. So thank you, Sam.
Grade: B+
Jaylon Tyson
18 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
Tyson needed this one. He finally found his stroke from downtown and was an impactful contributor on the glass. He still has to refine his game, but this was an encouraging reminder of how helpful Tyson can be.
Grade: A-
Dennis Schroder
9 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 turnovers
The Cavs are missing some of Schroder’s downhill drives. He hasn’t been as effective getting into the paint recently. That’s put a strain on his minutes. The offensive flow is really catering when he’s at the helm.
Grade: D
Dean Wade
0 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist
Wade put up a classic o-fer. He shot 0-3 from the floor but contributed 7 rebounds. The Cavs predictably didn’t close the game with him on the floor.
Grade: F
Thomas Bryant
5 points, 4 rebounds, 0 assists
Bryant has helped the Cavs recoup some size with Jarrett Allen on the sidelines. His minutes alongside Mobley have been positive.
Grade: B
