Player Ratings: Cavs vs. Nets – The Cavaliers get an easy win

The Cleveland Cavaliers decimated the Brooklyn Nets in one of their easiest wins of the season.

Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.

Evan Mobley

21 points (7-9 shooting), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal

Neither Cavaliers had to put in any effort in this game. At the end of the first quarter it was over. Still, Mobley kept his foot on the gas pedal and scored a team-best 21 points through efficient shooting.

Mobley’s development as an offensive player is the story of the Cavaliers’ season. Previously, Mobley might have been overshadowed in a game like this. But this season, the Cavaliers are making it a point to push him out of his comfort zone every night.

Grade: A+

Donovan Mitchell

18 points (6-14 shots), 5 assists, 4 steals

Mitchell had no problem giving up his individual numbers for the team’s success. He established himself as a scorer at various points in this game, but never felt the need to take firm control of the offense. His selflessness should not be taken for granted.

He also had five steals as the Cavaliers wreaked havoc on defense tonight. More on that later.

Grade: B+

Darius Garland

11 points (4-6 shots), 6 assists, 6 turnovers

I’m not going to say Darius Garland was terrible in a game the Cavaliers won by 29 points. However, this wasn’t his sharpest game.

Garland turned the ball over six times, almost all of which felt unforced. A lazy pass, entering (or not entering) the midfield line, these are all unforced errors that shouldn’t be overlooked – even if they were harmless tonight.

Grade: D

Jarrett Allen

12 points (5-5 shots), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals

Allen previously had one of his best games of the season against the Washington Wizards. In this game, Allen continued to contribute positively by hitting perfect shots from the floor. He showed Brooklyn no mercy on both ends of the floor and deserves another quality rating.

Grade: A-

Caris LeVert

19 points (6-10 shots), 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks

LeVert was the best player on the floor tonight. Seriously, LeVert was on fire from the moment he stepped onto the field. He looked more athletic than he has all season and flew around the field defensively for two steals and two blocks.

This was a fantastic start to the year for LeVert. He shot 6 of 9 from downtown tonight and is well over 45% from three this season. We see the total package from LeVert.

Grade: A+

Sam Merrill

7 points (1-8 shooting), 3 assists

Sam… oh, Sam. The three-point shot simply wasn’t as reliable for Merrill as it was last season. He’s shooting under 35% this year and tonight’s performance will only lower that number further.

Merrill is working hard to break even in all other aspects of the game. He puts a lot of emphasis on defense and does his best to attack closeouts offensively. But the simple truth is this: Merrill is on the field because of his sharpshooting. If he wants to stay in the rotation, he has to switch it on from deep.

Grade: D

Georges Niang

17 points (7-10 shots), 9 rebounds, 2 assists

Cavalier fans were fed up with Niang for most of last season. This year we finally learn why Koby Altman signed him in free agency. Niang can contribute, especially during an 82-game season where you need players who can eat up innings.

Niang’s near-double-double is a perfect example of this. The Cavaliers’ core is capable of resting games if the bench keeps them afloat against less competition. This is everything you hoped for from Niang.

Grade: A+

Ty Jerome

5 points (2-7 shots), 6 assists, 3 rebounds

Let’s be honest. The incredible shooting differences since the start of the season were never going to be sustainable. The fire has cooled down. Where is Jerome now?

He no longer scores in bulk like he used to. But tonight showed that Jerome can still be a useful member of the team even if he doesn’t pull from 30 feet. Jerome caused offense to others and kept his turnovers to a minimum (two turnovers). If this is a bad Play for Jerome, then the Cavaliers could do much worse at their backup point guard position.

Grade: C+