Thompson was fantastic.
The Cleveland Cavaliers left the Phoenix Suns dazed after a brilliant team effort on both sides of the floor.
Grades are based on our expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
33 points (11-25 shooting), 5 rebounds, 5 assists
This was Mitchell’s second straight game of 30+ points after a relative scoring slump. He hasn’t been shooting the ball with the supreme efficiency we typically expect — but Mitchell’s scoring has still opened the floor for everyone around him. He demands so much defensive attention that gaps are inevitably going to emerge for his teammates.
Mitchell has taken 52 shots in his last two games. This might feel like a lot… but they have mostly come within the flow of the offense. He isn’t disrupting anything and in the long run, Mitchell must rediscover his scoring touch as the Cavs move into the back half of the season.
Grade: A-
Darius Garland
16 points (6-13 shooting), 7 assists, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, 25 minutes
Garland is in a complete groove this season. He took the floor for just 25 minutes tonight, dicing up the Suns’ defense and forcing three turnovers as his Cavaliers built a massive lead.
This wasn’t a game that called for Garland to take over. But on every possession that was dictated by DG — the Cavaliers saw a positive result.
Grade: A-
Jarrett Allen
12 points (5-6 shooting), 11 rebounds, 2 assists
The Suns have one of the worst frontcourt rotations in the league. This would suggest that Allen could have a field day against them. But ultimately, Allen didn’t have to do much in his 22 minutes to leave the game as an overwhelming positive.
This is what you expect from Allen. An efficient double-double and elite rim-running on both ends. It wasn’t productive enough to warrant a perfect grade but Allen will be credited for his consistent work ethic.
Grade: B+
Dean Wade
8 points (3-8 shooting), 5 rebounds, 2 assists,
Wade posted a nearly identical stat line to his previous game. Considering we gave him a B+ for that performance — it feels warranted he gets the same grade. We know what the ideal version of Wade is on any given night. Elite perimeter defense and a steady three-point shot. He only connected on 1-of-3 three-point attempts but the defense held up. Wade’s off-ball movement also got him a few easy looks at the rim
Grade: B+
Tristan Thompson
1 point (0-1 shooting), 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 blocks
Let’s get this out of the way. Thompson was fantastic tonight. From staring down rookie Ryan Dunn after a block — to the previous block in which he tracked down a transition layup and pinned it to the glass (ruled a goaltend but was clearly clean) — this was a throwback performance from the NBA champ.
Thompson lept off the bench for 26 minutes, hauled in 11 rebounds and put 1 point on the board before satisfying the fans with a three-point attempt in the fourth. Cut it any way you want, this was an A+ performance.
Grade: A+
Max Strus
9 points (3-8 shooting), 2 rebounds, 2 assists
We are still waiting for Strus to feel formally acclimated to this Cavs offense. He hasn’t quite found his touch from deep since making his season debut last month. We’ll continue to grant him patience as we move toward the All-Star break. But sooner rather than later, we’ll need the Strus to get loose.
Grade: D+
Georges Niang
8 points (3-6 shooting), 6 rebounds, 1 assist
Niang repeatedly found himself on an island with Kevin Durant. And in more cases than not, Niang escaped those encounters without harm. He worked relentlessly to force Durant into contested jumpers and his activity on the glass stayed strong from the previous game. Niang also buried 2-of-3 triples, earning him a perfect grade.
Grade: A+
Ty Jerome
8 points (3-9 shooting), 1 assist, 1 rebound, steal
We saw a little bit of everything from Jerome this game. Active defense, a lethal floater and an unwarranted heat-check from way behind the line.
The Jerome experience has been a treat. Even in an errant performance like this, Jerome provides a spark off the bench that usually contributes to winning.
Grade: C+
Sam Merrill
10 points (3-9 shooting), 1 assist, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
Merrill nearly blew the lid off this game when he buried consecutive triples in the first half. Unfortunately, Merrill Mania never fully materialized.
This was still one of his more productive games of the season. Merrill’s gravity off-ball was tangible. He racked up two steals by jumping the passing lanes and even converted a transition layup.
Grade: B
Jaylon Tyson
10 points (3-4 shooting), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 15 minutes
The rookie finally got his opportunity to play more meaningful minutes as he received a burst in the second quarter. He immediately capitalized, stealing the ball and nailing a three-pointer on the other end.
Tyson’s physicality is going to give him a solid baseline at the NBA level. He’s a tough defender who fights for every rebound. If he expands his offensive game (aka spaces the floor) then Tyson will find his way into the rotation more often.
I’d grant him the perfect grade if he played more minutes during the competitive portions of the game.
Grade: A