The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Charlotte Hornets 124-112 in a game that trailed by as much as 30 points.
This is, without a doubt, one of the most alarming and concerning games the Cavs have played in the last five seasons.
Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Player of the game
Meleek Thomas
18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Thomas and the Cavs’ youth were responsible for some of the only inspiring basketball that was played tonight.
They weren’t perfect, but Thomas led the way with an energetic
half that showed most of the team’s issues are centered on not trying hard enough.
Thomas shot 7-12 from the floor. His effort and shot-making allowed the Cavs reserves to cut the deficit to within single digits.
Grade: A
Grades
Donovan Mitchell
11 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds
Mitchell has cleaned up his offensive process in recent games to strike a solid balance between playmaking and scoring. His approach offensively wasn’t the issue tonight. It was his defensive effort, and the fact that this team has lost all semblance of an identity around him.
Grade: F
Jarrett Allen
12 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
Allen was awesome in the first quarter of this game. He made his return with a bang, detonating on a lob pass for the first play of the game. He finished the opening quarter with 9 points and 4 rebounds on a perfect 4-4 shooting. He even drilled a three-pointer.
It’s not Allen’s fault that everything went down the drain.
Grade: B–
Evan Mobley
9 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Mobley is expected to be capable of transcending all of this. I can’t give him a pass for fading into the background when the team is spiraling out of control. He’s one of the players who is supposed to stabilize things. This wasn’t it.
Grade: F
James Harden
11 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 4 turnovers
It’s time to be concerned.
Harden has not looked good this season. Far from it. He’s hit a new low defensively, and he’s nowhere near good enough on offense right now to justify his minutes. This is a DEFCON 1 situation that can’t be ignored.
The Cavs traded for Harden, and then extended him, understanding that the league has been rapidly moving away from his style of play. His slow-paced, heliocentric offense could only carry you so far even in his prime. At 37, Harden isn’t showing that he’ll be able to adapt his game to no longer being a one-man wrecking crew.
Grade: F
Peyton Watson
13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assists
Watson has not been able to find his niche yet. Most of his scoring comes outside of the team’s system — and he is not providing enough defensively to tip the scales.
Grade: D+
Mario Hezonja
10 points, 3 rebounds
Hezonja is hitting some speed bumps recently but is still someone who I’d feel comfortable giving more minutes to. He plays hard, and he probably has more offensive production in the tank if Cleveland can figure out where he fits.
Grade: D+
Thomas Bryant
11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
I’ve given the Cavs flak for signing Bryant as soon as free agency began last summer. That’s only because I think it was worth doing your due diligence and searching for a potential upgrade. It is not to disrespect or invalidate Bryant as a stone-cold veteran who plays every possession like it’s life or death.
Bryant plays with a sense of urgency and is a fine role model for the younger players on this team.
Grade: D+
Tyrese Proctor
6 points, 4 assists, 1 rebound
Proctor was part of the inspiring group that brought this game back into reach. Effort and energy matter. Looking like you care about basketball matters. The intention that Proctor plays with on each possession was enough to string together stops and scores. Aka, winning basketball.
Grade: C+
Riley Minix
2 points, 2 rebounds
What a turn of events it’s been for Minix. This wasn’t a barn burner by any means; he shot just 1-of-4, but Minix deserves a ton of credit for brushing off the fact that this team waived him last week and only brought him back due to necessity. He’s played hard and was a positive tonight, given the circumstances.
Grade: C+
Norchad Omier
0 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Omier is another two-way prospect who had a chance to get some run tonight. He made his impact through hustle, and as is the theme, that was enough to make him a positive in stark contrast to the starters.
Grade: C+
Craig Porter Jr.
9 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds
Porter showed signs of life after a fairly troubling start to the season. He got downhill and looked effective as a ball-handler again. The Cavs would love it if he could get back to being a plus defender and creator.
Grade: B
