2024-11-09 11:50:03
Can everyone just get an A+? The Cleveland Cavaliers decimated their old rival in a performance that extended their perfect record to 10-0.
Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
12 points (4-13 shooting), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 turnovers
Mitchell was one of the only Cavaliers who didn’t have a prolific shooting night. He was quiet for most of the game — but it must be nice for Mitchell to sit back and let his teammates carry him for once.
Don’t get it wrong, Mitchell was applying maximum pressure to Golden State’s defense. He had Brandin Podziemski on skates and still turned in a respectable game. But I’m sorry, I can’t give everyone an A+ after all.
Grade: A-
Evan Mobley
23 points (7-12 shooting), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal
With every member of the Cavaliers going flamethrower from behind the arch, there wasn’t as much room for Mobley to score in the first half. He responded by scoring in bunches during the third quarter, pushing himself up to 23 points in another impressive offensive outing.
Mobley was crucial in limiting the Warriors from establishing a rhythm on offense. His defense remains at the top of the league. And his role as a playmaking hub has continued to expand with 4 assists tonight.
Grade: A+
Darius Garland
27 points (9-17 shooting), 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals
Garland is so back it isn’t even funny anymore. He led the team in scoring once again behind a 6-10 shooting night from the three-point line. His on-ball shot-making has only been complemented by his willingness to relocate without the rock and can open triples.
He’s fully regained his juice as a scorer. But Garland is also playing the best defense of his career to start this season. He spent most of the game on Stephen Curry, who scored just 12 points tonight.
Grade: A+
Jarrett Allen
13 points (5-8 shooting), 12 rebounds, 3 assists
I say it every time I give Allen his grade — but he just takes care of business every single night. He never gets the spotlight but Allen will give you an efficient double-double in his sleep. Allen is a defensive anchor on the glass and wreaks havoc on any defense that allows him to catch the ball in the paint. The vertical spacing he provides can not be overstated.
Also, the above shot was awesome.
Grade: A+
Dean Wade
3 points (1-1 shooting), 6 rebounds, 2 assists
Wade returned to the floor after missing the previous two games. The Cavs took a cautious approach to his return, having Wade come off the bench and play minimal minutes. He knocked down his only shot and immediately helped on the glass.
Grade: B+
Caris LeVert
8 points (2-5 shooting), 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 1 block
LeVert was active as a defender tonight, turning his three steals into runouts for the Cavaliers. His two three-pointers helped the team build momentum en route to an early Cavalanche that gave them a 40-point lead.
This has been the best start to a season LeVert has ever had. Tonight was no exception.
Grade: A+
Sam Merrill
5 points (1-4 shooting), 2 rebounds, 15 minutes
There’s no doubt Merrill can shoot the ball. But the Warriors did a fine job limiting his opportunities. It didn’t help that Merrill just didn’t seem to have it tonight. He only registered 15 minutes as the rest of the Cavalier bench was rolling.
I’m sorry, Sam.
Grade: C
Georges Niang
7 points (3-4), 2 rebounds, 1 assist
Niang finished with a -12, the worst of anyone on the Cavs. But the numbers don’t tell the full story. He played a fine game tonight on both ends of the floor and shot an efficient 3-4. His spacing is a big reason the Cavaliers could dice up the Warriors’ defense.
Grade: B+
Isaac Okoro
16 points (6-10 shooting), 4 assists, 1 rebound
This was one of Okoro’s best games. Ever. He matched his career high with four three-pointers, all confident releases that hammered another nail into the Warriors’ coffin. All the while, Okoro made great reads catching on the roll (we love seeing Okoro as a screener) and he disrupted Golden State’s offense by defending Draymond Green — thus ruining their attempt at running two-man actions with Green and Curry.
Well done, Ice.
Grade: A+
Ty Jerome
20 points (7-8 shooting), 3 assists, 1 rebound
Jerome was laughably good in this game. He opened up by scoring 13 points in his first 10 minutes, draining numerous 25-footers in transition. Jerome was all over his former team — cooking them from every standpoint.
The offensive jolt that Jerome has given this Cavalier bench each night can not go unnoticed. He’s been a difference-maker.
Grade: A+
