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The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Raptors 4-3 to advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
22 points, 1 assist, 3 rebounds, 2 turnovers
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This wasn’t a great game from Mitchell, per se. We’ve seen him play much better than this. But compared to his recent performances, this felt huge. Mitchell fit in more than he fit out, despite starting the game 6-16 from the floor. The Cavs better utilized the space around him, cutting into the lane and pounding the offensive glass.
If you can’t get Mitchell free, you can at least use the defensive attention he receives to your advantage elsewhere. The Cavs did that, and Mitchell leaned further into it than in the games before.
Grade: C+
James Harden
18 points, 3 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 turnovers
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Harden took care of the ball for his fewest turnovers in a game this series. That’s impressive stuff for a player who has struggled in elimination games in the past. Harden, like Mitchell, didn’t have his shot falling tonight. He was only 1-5 from deep and 3-9 from the floor. But he worked the extra mile to get into the teeth of Toronto’s defense and forced them into rotation just enough to keep the offense running smoothly.
Then on defense, Harden had his occasional lapses, but he also turned up huge for three steals that all felt like energizers.
He, of course, also kept the bigs involved. That’s half the reason you traded for him.
Grade: B
Evan Mobley
13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 4 turnovers
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Mobley was a beast in games 5-6. His increased aggression and clutch performances were everything you hoped to see from him. I wouldn’t say much changed about his approach to tonight — only that his frontcourt partner stole the show.
This should be a moment of graduation for Mobley. He responded to a horrid stretch on the road by rattling off three of the more impactful and successful games of his playoff career. If he carries this forward, the Cavs will be in serious business.
Grade: B
Jarrett Allen
22 points, 19 rebounds, 2 assists, 2…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/player-grades-cavs-vs-raptors-030116458.html
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Publish date : 2026-05-04 03:01:00
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