The Cleveland Cavaliers picked up their best win of the season, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 146-134.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
28 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds
Mitchell led the Cavs in scoring tonight and gave them a huge surge of momentum. Some of his shot attempts were audacious, but you live with that when you have a scorer as gifted as Mitchell. He also continued his streak of playmaking, dishing out 8 assists and throwing another highlight lob to Mobley.
Grade: A+
Darius Garland
22 points, 6 assists, 0 rebounds
Garland was a menace in isolation today. He danced with Rudy Gobert numerous times and showcased his vintage burst in getting to the rim and finishing plays. This was classic Garland — and a version of the All-Star guard we worried may have been lost to injury.
Grade: A+
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Evan Mobley
24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
In case you forgot, Mobley is a dynamic seven-footer who can anchor a defense and raise his team’s ceiling on offense. This was his best offensive game of the season, scoring in bunches during the second half and reminding everyone why he’s such a special talent.
Grade: A+
Sam Merrill
20 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals
This is one hell of a hot streak. Merrill has been en fuego this season, shooting above 44% from deep on the year and nailing another five three-pointers tonight.
Grade: A+
Craig Porter Jr.
0 points, 8 assists, 6rebounds
Porter wasn’t in the starting lineup today, which was a mutually beneficial decision. There’s less pressure on him to score, and more opportunity for him to handle the ball and act as a playmaker.
Grade: B
De’Andre Hunter
4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Hunter might have been the only Cavalier who didn’t have a good or great game. He’s felt out of place recently, and could really use a good shooting stretch to get back into a rhythym. His off-ball defense was notably bad today.
Grade: D+
Jarrett Allen
16 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists
Allen went to war in the last two games with Rudy Gobert. I’d argue he more than held his own. Allen had another double-double tonight, including a sequence where he rejected Minnesota at the rim and then crammed an and-one dunk on the other end.
He also dunked all over Gobert in the first half.
Grade: A+
Jaylon Tyson
23 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
Sorry for burying the lede, but Tyson was phenomenal today. 23 points on only 12 field goal attempts is a role player’s dream. His three-point shooting in the fourth quarter put this game away. Shout out to Tyson, he’s been one of the biggest breakout players of the NBA season.
Grade: A+
