Player Grades: Cavs vs Nets – Jarrett Allen plays the unsung hero

The Cleveland Cavaliers unfortunately had to stress down the stretch for a win in their home opener against the Brooklyn Nets.

Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.

Player of the game

Jarrett Allen

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21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block

This was your standard Jarrett Allen game. A solid showing on both ends of the court that won’t always get the credit it deserves. Allen shot 7-for-8 and cleaned up a handful of plays in a game where every possession ended up mattering.

“I don’t know how many plays he made at the rim tonight that saved us,” said Kenny Atkinson after the game.

Grade: A-

Grades

Donovan Mitchell

22 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 turnovers

Mitchell wasn’t as explosive at any point tonight as he was in the first half versus Philly, yet his presence was more evenly spread throughout this game. He is still working to avoid pressure, rather than fighting against the current. But old habits die hard.

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Grade: C+

James Harden

12 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 turnovers

Harden didn’t shoot the ball particularly well in this game (1-8), but he played his old tricks in getting to the free-throw line on a four-point play — his only make of the first half.

Grade: D+

Evan Mobley

20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks

Mobley left a handful of scoring opportunities on the table by coming up blank at the rim. Still, his outside shooting (2-of-3 from deep) opened the floor in the first half. And good things happened any time he played with aggression.

This was a strong contender for player of the game. I gave Allen the nod only because of a few awkward possessions from Mobley down the stretch.

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Grade: B+

Peyton Watson

11 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers

Watson’s offensive fit in the starting five doesn’t look seamless, but it did feel better tonight than it did on Thursday. Hitting a pair of three-pointers in the first half helped in that regard — though he still has plenty of wrinkles to iron out.

His offensive foul late in the game was nearly a back-breaker.

Grade: C-

Jaylon Tyson

15 points, 4 assists, 1 rebound, 2 blocks, 4…

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Publish date : 2026-10-25 02:50:00

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