Player Grades: Cavs vs Wolves

Mobley has been incredible.

The Cleveland Cavaliers rocked the Minnesota Timberwolves from start to finish in this 129-107 beatdown.

Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player. As a reminder, we don’t give grades to players who played fewer than 10 minutes of meaningful basketball. So while Emoni Bates and Luke Travers both saw the floor tonight — we will refrain from grading them. It wouldn’t be fair to judge such a strange, small sample size.

De’Andre Hunter

12 points (3-7 shooting), 1 rebound, 1 steal, 5 fouls, 23 minutes

Hunter made his Cavalier debut tonight and despite some foul trouble, played a pretty fine game. He knocked down 3-of-4 three-point attempts and set the tone early with stifling defense on Anthony Edwards. His role on offense is clearly still a work in progress but it’s easy to see how Hunter will fit into the grander scheme.

It’s important to have measured expectations. Hunter is having a career-best year but a mid-season trade could require an adjustment period. Tonight was a good first step as the two-way picture wasn’t too blurry. This was a sturdy debut for Hunter.

Grade: B+

Donovan Mitchell

23 points (10-14 shooting), 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals

This was the definition of efficiency. Mitchell torched the Wolves early and never turned down the heat. He was in complete control of the offense and delivered a surge of shot creation that Minnesota couldn’t hope to contain.

Grade: A+

Darius Garland

17 points (6-14 shooting), 3 assists, 1 rebound, 4 turnovers, 27 minutes

The Cavaliers' offense didn’t really start rolling until midway through the first quarter. By then, the wheels had totally come off for Minnesota — and the Cavs coasted to an easy victory.

As a result, Garland didn’t accumulate his usual stats. He finished with more turnovers than assists in a fairly underwhelming box score. Still, it’s hard to knock a guy when his team leads for 48 minutes. Garland wasn’t the hyper-efficient floor general that we’ve come to love but he was more than enough for Cleveland to pick up their 43rd win in 53 games.

Grade: B+

Evan Mobley

28 points (12-19 shooting), 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 blocks, 2 steals

Mobley was the best player on the floor tonight. That’s something we’ve been able to say more than ever before this season. But it’s true — even in a game where Anthony Edwards had 44 points — it was Mobley who controlled both ends of the floor.

This stat line is what Cavs fans dreamed of when Mobley was drafted. An all-around dominant performance full of defensive highlights and completed by a powerful offensive game. Mobley looked too big and too strong for Minnesota’s frontcourt. Again, that’s something we’ve said more this season than any other.

Mobley has earned his spot in All-Star weekend and at this rate, he should be in All-NBA consideration, as well.

Grade: A+

Jarrett Allen

14 points (6-8 shooting), 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal

Night in, night out, Allen does his job. His 9 rebounds in the opening quarter allowed the Cavs to take advantage of a putrid offensive start for both teams. His relentless pursuit of the ball put Cleveland in front as they rode to a stress-free victory.

Grade: A

Sam Merrill

9 points (3-8 shooting), 6 rebounds, 2 steals

Merrill has found his groove in recent weeks. He has now hit multiple threes in four consecutive games, beginning with his 9 three-pointers against the Dallas Mavericks last Sunday.

The Cavaliers have been the league’s top offense all season. Merrill can only push them further over the top if he has truly rediscovered his touch. What’s more, he grabbed 6 rebounds in this game as the Cavaliers put on a defensive clinic.

Grade: B+

Ty Jerome

15 points (4-8 shooting), 4 assists, 2 rebounds

This may have been a lower grade if Jerome hadn’t converted the most exciting play of the game. A three-point shot from Jaylon Tyson, followed by a steal and buzzer-beating three from Jerome sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Jerome’s knack for getting to the free-throw line has been an underrated aspect of his game. He made all 5 free three attempts tonight and is shooting 89% from the stripe this season.

Grade: A+

Jaylon Tyson

5 points (2-4 shooting), 5 rebounds, 1 assist

Tyson understands why he is on the floor. He only shoots when he’s open and instead focuses all of his attention on playing defense. Sure, the rookie is prone to rookie mistakes. But the effort is undeniable. He attacks the glass with authority and has the physical tools to be a versatile defender even in his first NBA season.

The Cavs will need more from Tyson offensively as the games progress. It’s unlikely he plays meaningful minutes in the postseason. Yet, these reps are valuable for the developing prospect as he remains a building block for the future.

Grade: A-

Craig Porter Jr

2 points (1-6 shooting), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 turnovers

Porter has had a great week. This game was an outlier. He shot 0-4 from deep and never found a rhythm on offense. His athleticism pops when he’s in transition — but Porter looks outmatched in other areas. Finding a way to use his body and become a more impactful defender will be the key for Porter to stay on the floor even when his shot isn’t falling.

Grade: F