Player Grades: Cavs at Hornets – Donovan Mitchell turns in his 100th 30+ point game as a Cavalier

The Cleveland Cavaliers extend their win streak to seven after a narrow win over the Charlotte Hornets.

All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.

Donovan Mitchell

32 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals

Mitchell started this game 4-15. But, as we’ve seen all season, Mitchell turned it on when the Cavs needed him most. He shot 5-8 the rest of the way and finished with his 100th 30-point game as a Cavalier.

Grade: A–

James Harden

18 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal

Harden is dishing the rock with efficiency since joining the Cavs. He had another 8 assists tonight as the Cavalier offense feels more potent than it’s been all season with him at the helm. We only wish he could have grabbed a few more rebounds or been sharper off the ball defensively.

Grade: B+

Support us and Let ‘Em Know with Homage!

Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the new City Edition shirt can be found HERE.

Jarrett Allen

26 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block

Allen hasn’t let up on any opponent for weeks now. He put his head down and attacked the paint over and over again tonight as the Hornets didn’t have enough bodies to stop him. If he hadn’t hauled in 14 rebounds, the Cavs would have lost this one. Bravo, Allen. This aggression has been a joy to watch.

Grade: A+

Jaylon Tyson

5 points, 1 rebound

Tyson’s role has changed significantly now that Harden is here. That means we’ll likely have to adjust how we grade him. He simply isn’t getting as many opportunities. That said, Cleveland could have used a better effort on the glass.

Grade: B-

Keon Ellis

4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals

I’m convinced that Ellis can clone himself and appear multiple places at once. That’s the only way to explain some of the defensive plays he comes up with.

Grade: A–

Thomas Bryant

2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks

Bryant had some highs and lows. His block in the third quarter was electric, but he might have been a step too slow for a fast-paced matchup like this.

Grade: B-

Dennis Schroder

8 points, 3 assists, 3 steals

Schroder continues to be a pest. He came up with two big steals in the second half and has given the Cavs bench an edge that they’ve been missing.

Grade: A-

Sam Merrill

10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

Merrill had more success tonight. He hit 2-of-4 three-point attempts and had a nice backdoor cut early in the first half.

Grade: B+

Dean Wade

8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal

Wade hit consecutive three-pointers in the fourth quarter to close this out. He hasn’t missed a shot since returning from the All-Star break.

Grade: A+