Player Grades: Cavs at Magic
Hunter spurred a huge win.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are running out of adjectives to describe their recent play. A 40-point thumping of the Orlando Magic is as good as it gets.
Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
De’Andre Hunter
17 points (5-8 shooting), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 27 minutes
This game hit a lull during the first quarter. During this, it felt the Magic’s second-ranked defense was establishing itself. Then Hunter sent them back to the shadow realm.
There’s a reason why Hunter is second in Sixth Man of the Year odds. He’s become a flamethrower off the bench and did so tonight with three three-pointers in quick succession to break the cold spell.
Hunter has put the Cavs over the top. The lineup versatility he provides has given the Cavs no discernable weakness to exploit. His defense isn’t perfect and he isn’t consistently pounding the glass — but his size makes up for all.
Grade: A+
Ty Jerome
20 points (7-12 shooting), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steals, 21 minutes
This has become laughable. You can count on Jerome to give you a point-per-minute as he continues to shred opponents with his floater and deep three-point shot. Opposing defense? Doesn’t matter. Jerome is giving out buckets to anyone who wants ‘em.
His scoring is hard to explain. Unless you’re watching Jerome nightly, you wouldn’t understand how miraculous this season has been. He’s had stretches where he is totally unguardable. Tonight was one of those nights.
Grade: A+
Donovan Mitchell
11 points (5-12 shooting), 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 25 minutes
Mitchell had to quite literally do it all against Olrando in last year’s postseason. Even hobbled on one leg — the series came down to Mitchell putting the Cavs on his back to get it done. Tonight? He only played 25 minutes in a 40-point victory.
The Cavs were lagging behind Mitchell in years prior. But now, the supporting cast has caught up to his timeline. The result is a 48-10 record.
Grade: A-
Evan Mobley
17 points (6-9 shooting), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks
Mobley didn’t stuff the box sheet tonight but he was plenty impressive. His defense looked supercharged against an Orlando team that ranks dead last in points per game. Then on offense, Mobley was able to run the floor and crush the Magic in transition.
Grade: A+
Max Strus
17 points (6-9 shooting), 2 assists, 1 rebound, 21 minutes
Strus let it rip as soon as the game started. He opened with back-to-back threes before carrying that over to the second half, where he continued to can open looks. Strus has proven to be more of a complete player than a specialist — but he’s still capable of catching fire and burning an opponent like he did tonight. Five three-pointers match a season high for Strus.
Grade: A+
Jarrett Allen
8 points (4-7 shooting), 7 rebounds, 1 block, 25 minutes
Allen did his job on both ends tonight. Steady on offense and ever-present on defense. His frequent contests at the rim helped the Cavs hold Orlando to just 80 points. This was a relatively quiet game from Allen but a strong one nonetheless.
Grade: A
Sam Merrill
5 points (1-4 shooting), 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Merrill’s minutes have been rough recently. He earned an F grade after his performance against Memphis and won’t do much better tonight.
Fortunately, his sole three-pointer of the game is a reminder of why he gets an extended leash. Merrill is still one of the best shooters on the planet and is worth rolling out there for a few stretches on the chance he gets rolling.
*Grade is being amended after further thought. I a
Grade: C+
Dean Wade
5 points (2-3 shooting), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 19 minutes
Wade has gone from the only wing on the roster to the cherry on top of a strong frontcourt rotation. The team is relying on him less than ever before and it’s helped Wade ease into the foreground. He’s still an elite defender who can switch 1-5 (he played center during the garbage time minutes) and rebounds at a high rate.
The weight off of Wade means he’s a luxury, not a necessity. Having a role player as complete as Wade at the back of your rotation is an embarrassment of riches.
Grade: A-
Isaac Okoro
8 points (2-4 shooting), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 24 minutes
Cleveland’s improved depth will benefit Okoro, as well. There is less pressure on him or Wade to perform now that Hunter can give them relief. This has led to Okoro looking very comfortable since returning from injury. He’s all over the ball on offense, at least, more than before. He buried a pair of confident three-pointers tonight and was disruptive on defense with a steal and block.
Grade: A
Javonte Green
4 points (2-2 shooting), 3 rebounds, 6 minutes
We don’t hand out grades for garbage minutes... but, newcomer Javonte Green deserves a quick nod.
Sure, it was only six minutes that came in a 40-point blowout but Green showed his worth right away. An attack on the basket — then a sprint in transition for another layup were the first two buckets of Green’s Cavalier career. His athleticism and pursuit of the ball presented itself right away. It’s easy to see how he will help this team down the stretch of the season.