The Cleveland Cavaliers have started another win streak. After a win against the Spurs, the Cavaliers are now riding a three-game winning streak.
Grades are based on our expectations of each player.
29 points (10-11 shooting), 16 rebounds, 1 block
This perfectly encapsulated "you had me in the first half not gonna lie". Jarrett Allen did not take advantage of his opportunities. Two points at the half-raised questions on if the Cavaliers should go smaller. Especially when the Spurs had Bismack Biyombo out there for stretches.
The second half was a completely different story, particularly in the closing minutes of the game. Allen absolutely went on a tear, scoring 27 points in the second half. The Spurs spent a bulk of the second half without a center and Allen delivered. It's nice to see Allen have games like this especially when the game dictates it.
Mitchell really got the Cavaliers offense going in all facets against the Spurs. Mitchell's shot was falling in the first half and helped to create separation for the players around him. Being the primary attacker on ball allowed Mitchell to remind people why he should be a first team All-NBA member this season. A career-high 14 assists deserves a perfect grade.
Garland had himself a turbulent performance. While he really struggled offensively, he still had moments where he able to find his spots. Garland's ability to create looks for others while his shot isn't drawing attention is something to note for how he has grown as a facilitator. Darius also had moments on the defensive end where he was able to intercept passing lanes to help create solid fast break oppurtunities.
18 points (7-10 shooting), 4 assists, 3 rebounds
Shooting 4-7 from three kind of tells you that Strus was going to be a high-impact player tonight. We spend a lot of time talking about how valuable Strus is, even when the shot isn't falling. Now, Strus seems to have found a little bit of rhythm in his shot, and it really expands an already valuable skill set.
3 points (1-5 shooting), 3 rebounds
Not a great Wade game overall. This is one of the more bleak outings we have seen from Wade all season. Not only was the shot not falling on quality looks, but he didn't have his typical standout moments on the defensive end. Just simply not his night.
13 points (5-13 shooting), 2 assists, 2 rebounds
You give Merrill an inch and he will fire away. Merrill put out an average night for himself. Merrill touches the ball in motion, and he fires away. Merrill's grades mostly boil down to how lethal the three-ball was tonight?
9 points (4-7 shooting), 4 rebounds, 1 assist
I really liked Okoro's performance tonight. I felt like offensively he was getting good looks whether cutting off ball, running hard in transition, or knocking down a three. Defensively Okoro was also showing maximum effort and was putting up some great resistance on the perimeter while also fighting hard for some loose balls.
14 points (6-15 shooting), 7 rebounds, 2 steals
Hunter had his moments, especially scoring from the midrange against the Spurs. It's positive to see with Hunter that his offense isn't heavily reliant on whether the three-pointer is falling on the given night. There is the capability of a slasher and a dribble pull-up to a mid-range jumper. With Hunter's body type, he should be able to generate good looks naturally.
3 points (1-4 shooting), 5 rebounds, 1 assist,
In the same vein as Okoro, I also really enjoyed this Green game. Yes, I do remember that he missed another easy layup opportunity. However, he rebounded from it pretty well and was really showing that defensive prowess. I do not expect Green to ever explode off the box score, however, I want to see that he can provide scarce minutes in a playoff series if necessary.
0 points (0-1 shooting), 2 rebounds, 2 assists
It's always tough to see TT get reps out there. A constant reminder that the Cavaliers have suffered an injury to one of their bigs. Thanks, Tristan, for deciding to attack Julian Champagnie's temple for no reason. Great vibes guy.