Player Grades: Cavs vs Lakers – Cleveland’s youth puts on a show

The Cleveland Cavaliers ran the Los Angeles Lakers off the floor 129-99. Their youth stole the show.

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

Donovan Mitchell

25 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds

Mitchell has had to carry a lot of weight without Darius Garland. Opposing defenses have made him their primary target, doing everything in their power to keep him from breaking free. Mitchell used that to his advantage tonight, finding the perfect balance between being aggressive and riding shotgun.

He did enough to keep the Lakers’ defense preoccupied while still giving enough freedom for his teammates to create off of his advantages. Mitchell wasn’t incredibly efficient, but his decision-making was strong throughout the night.

Grade: A–

Jarrett Allen

17 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists

The Cavs need the best version of Allen to show up during these next few weeks without Mobley. He did that tonight, opening the game 6-9 from the floor and attacking in the pick-and-roll to open the floor for everyone else.

Grade: A+

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Jaylon Tyson

20 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists

Playing against LeBron James in Cleveland is something special. It’s the type of game that a young, wide-eyed player like Tyson could struggle with. But Tyson has had no fear of the moment in his sophomore season. He embraced the challenge, forcing James into multiple offensive fouls and carrying the Cavalier offense while LA’s defense focused primarily on stopping Mitchell.

Grade: A+

Craig Porter Jr.

7 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, 2 steals

Porter’s playmaking has been crucial to Cleveland’s recent success. He’s kept the offense alive during his minutes at backup point guard, making quick decisions off the catch and getting the defense into rotation before dishing to his teammates.

Grade: A

De’Andre Hunter

19 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

Hunter began this game 0-5 from the floor. Something that doesn’t feel very surprising with the way he has played recently. But then, something encouraging happened. Hunter drilled three consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter and seemingly found his confidence again. Let’s hope it sticks around.

Grade: A

Nae’Qwan Tomlin

8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

Tomlin’s hustle has carried him throughout this season. But it led to perhaps the best moment of his young career when he stripped Luka Doncic at halfcourt, then took off flying for a fastbreak dunk while the Cavs built up their massive lead in the third quarter.

Later in the fourth quarter, he blocked LeBron James from behind and then threw down a Cavalanche-triggering windmill dunk a few minutes later. This was Tomlin’s show.

Grade: A+++

Dean Wade

11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists

Wade’s settling into one hell of a groove. He was active off the ball, cutting to the hoop for a handful of easy opportunities while nailing 2-3 three-point attempts. All the while, he’s back to being one of the best and most versatile defenders on the roster.

Grade: A+

Sam Merrill

4 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists

Merrill returned from a hand injury tonight. He was relatively quiet, dishing four assists as he was run off the line for most of the game.

Grade: B-