Player Grades: Cavs at Sixers – A tough debut for Peyton Watson

As much as things change, they stay the same. The Cleveland Cavaliers opened the new season with a performance that was eerily similar (and equally as deflating) to their Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks in May.

Let’s unpack this.

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As always, grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.

Player of the game

Mario Hezonja

10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals

If there is a single thing I can leave this game feeling encouraged about — it was Mario Hezonja.

Hezonja looks like he belongs. His added strength allows him to be a mismatch-beater in the post, putting Philly into a bind anytime they switched a smaller player onto him. Hezonja is a skilled finisher and a crafty playmaker. This makes him a great option to have on their bench.

Defensively, Hezonja kept up with Philly’s pace (until the wheels came off around him). His isolation defense on Jaylen Brown was a highlight. So was this pick-six.

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He also had a pair of surgical post-ups to end the third quarter that gave me life.

Grade: B+

Passed the Class

Donovan Mitchell

32 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 turnovers

There was a lot to like about Mitchell’s first half. He scored 22 points and only missed two shots. His dynamic scoring gave Cleveland a massive lead that should have been enough to coast to victory.

It wasn’t. And Mitchell’s turnovers (5) didn’t help the Cavs hold on as the lead was slipping.

Still, I think Mitchell is the only other player who did enough to keep a passing grade. I’m not saying he passed with flying colors — but an efficient 32 points and 10 rebounds is hard to knock. I don’t think he was the most guilty party in this meltdown.

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Grade: C+

Missed the mark

Peyton Watson

8 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 5 turnovers

This was not a good showing for Watson. The biggest concern you could have had (his effect on the floor spacing) was a factor right away.

Philly began ignoring Watson in the second half. Leaving him open and packing the paint. He responded by clanking an open three-pointer and barreling into traffic. Watson shot 0-3 from downtown and had 5 turnovers.

We can see where Watson fits…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/player-grades-cavs-sixers-tough-022127347.html

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Publish date : 2026-10-23 02:21:00

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