Player Grades: Cavs vs Knicks – Darius Garland’s masterpiece

The Cleveland Cavaliers improved to a 4-0 record after a feel-good win over the New York Knicks.

Grades are based on our expectations for each player.

Donovan Mitchell

24 points (9-17 shooting), 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 4 turnovers

Mitchell was one of the few Cavaliers with their outside shots rolling tonight. His timely shot-making kept them in the game — even if he occasionally forced the issue and turned in some inefficient attempts. It wasn’t a perfect game from Mitchell but it was more than enough for a win.

Grade: A-

Evan Mobley

17 points (7-12 shooting), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks

It was a slow start for Mobley. He didn’t attempt a shot in the first quarter and only took three in the second. But by the end of the night, he would establish himself as a force in the paint. His constant rim pressure gave the Cavs a dose of life in a game where they shot just 33% from three. Mobely’s rim protection was a difference-maker, as well.

Grade: B+

Darius Garland

34 points (12-19 shooting), 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals

If you’ve been looking for the real Darius Garland, the search is officially over. Garland hasn’t looked this good in quite some time — but tonight was a throwback performance. He demolished New York’s defense with shot-making from all around the floor and his defense was just as impressive. Four stocks (steals and blocks) to go with a game-high 34 points is the type of stuff that gets you extra credit.

Grade: A++

Jarrett Allen

15 points (5-7 shooting), 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

The Knicks began this game pounding Cleveland on the glass as they have before. The first half was a bit rough, but Allen responded by notching together a dominant performance on the boards. Each of his 15 rebounds was important to victory and his always efficient finishing around the rim was helpful as usual.

Grade: B+

Dean Wade

1 point (0-5 shooting), 4 assists, 3 rebounds

This wasn’t the best game for Wade. He couldn’t find the net despite a handful of open three-point opportunities and his presence on the glass wasn’t felt until the second half. That said, he remains one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and held up against Jalen Brunson for long stretches. We can’t give him too much credit with this stat line but Wade was better than his plus/minus of -14 would suggest.

Grade: C+

Caris LeVert

5 points (1-4 shooting), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals

LeVert didn’t have a great shooting night either. That was a theme for Cleveland’s role players tonight. But LeVert’s defense galvanized the Cavs in the second half and his errant shooting ultimately didn’t hurt them as much as it could have. This was an okay performance from a player who typically has extreme highs and lows.

Grade: C

Sam Merrill

6 points (2-5 shooting), 2 rebounds, 2 assists

It’s clear that Kenny Atkinson values the three-point shooting that Merrill provides. He’s been prominently featured in the rotation and given ample daylight to shoot the ball. The only thing remaining is for Merrill to actually knock down shots. He shot 2-5 tonight and is a combined 6-19 on the season. WIth a shooter as talented as Merrill, you have to imagine it’s only a matter of time before those numbers improve.

Grade: C-

Georges Niang

5 points (2-6 shooting), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

The Cavs struggled to shoot in this game. That’s apparent. But while Niang can often struggle to be a positive when his shot isn’t falling — tonight was somewhat of an exception. He chipped in on the glass and mostly held his own on defense. It wasn’t perfect but it wasn’t bad, either.

Grade: C

Isaac Okoro

0 points (0-2 shooting), 1 assist, 1 steal, 9 minutes

Okoro is still trying to find his role on this team after spending the entire offseason negotiating a new contract. It seems the kinks still haven’t been figured out as Okoro turns in another dull performance. I’d expect his role to expand as the season goes on — but Okoro will have to justify that on his end, as well.

Grade: D

Ty Jerome

2 points (1-5 shooting), 2 steals, 7 minutes

We don’t want to rain on the Jerome parade but this wasn’t his best game. It became cleary early on that New York’s stout perimeter defenders would give Jerome trouble at the point of attack. He wasn’t much of an impact and his night ended early.

Grade: D