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The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off their gutsiest win of the 2020s. Let’s celebrate before getting nervous about Game 6 on Friday.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 turnovers
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This game started as a disaster. It nearly ended as one, too.
Mitchell was stripped on the final possession. His turnover, combined with a horrific shooting night, could have cost them an inspiring comeback.
Thankfully, Mitchell has a short memory. He scored seven points in overtime, pushing the Cavs over the finish line and saving himself from a bummer night.
Frustrations aside, I did think Mitchell was taking good shots in the flow of the offense. His process was better than the results. That, and his overtime scoring, explain the grade.
Grade: C-
James Harden
30 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks, 6 turnovers
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Harden put the first two games of this series in the past and had the Cavs offense on his back tonight. Sure, we had the occasional turnover that makes you want to pull your hair out. But Harden’s shot-making was one of the only things keeping Cleveland in the game.
The Cavs offense was prone to droughts in previous years. Winning a game that involved poor shooting from Mitchell felt impossible. That’s no longer the case, as Harden’s kept them above water even in Mitchell’s worst moments. That’s huge.
His carelessness with the ball (six turnovers) and occasional lack of effort defensively ding his grade. Still, it’s a make-or-miss league, and the Cavs wouldn’t be leading 3-2 in the series if he wasn’t making shots tonight.
Grade: A
Evan Mobley
19 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks
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Mobley took a while to get going tonight. His playmaking was a bright spot, but the Cavs need him to do more than create in the short roll. Once he started scoring and re-establishing himself on defense, the game suddenly became winnable.
The Cavs leaned on Mobley heavily down the stretch. He scored seven points in the closing minutes of regulation to erase a nine-point deficit. He also shut things down…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/player-grades-cavs-vs-pistons-042001336.html
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Publish date : 2026-05-14 04:20:00
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