Player Grades: Cavs vs Pelicans

Mitchell led the Cavs to their 9th straight win.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are having their best start to a season in regular season history. They improved to 9-0 after a 131-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.

Donovan Mitchell

29 points (10-20 shooting), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

Mitchell had some ground to make up in the fourth quarter tonight. He was having a quiet game, registering just 16 points through the first third of this game. But after nearly being stomped in the head by Zion Williamson — Mitchell began to take things personally.

He erupted for 13 points in the final nine minutes of the game, dealing the final blows for a Pelicans team that was desperately trying to stay within range. It wasn’t a perfect game but it was another reminder of how Mitchell can take over in big moments.

Grade: A

Evan Mobley

15 points (7-16 shooting), 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, 6 fouls

Let’s address two things right away. First, Mobley’s shooting and rebounding numbers are a bit skewed by a possession where he missed three consecutive layups and collected each rebound. Second, Mobley fouled out in this game — something he’s only ever done twice before.

So, weirdness aside, this was a fine game from Mobley. His rim protection was a standout and he threw a wild one-hand pass in transition.

Other than that, it was just a standard showing and he continues to show growth on a nightly basis.

Grade: A-

Darius Garland

14 points (5-10 shooting), 9 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

Garland began this game shooting 1-4. It wasn’t until the third quarter, when he buried three triples, that Garland felt like he was in a groove. By then, he was dicing up the defense and dropping dimes all over the place.

I can’t give him a raving review but Garland was definitely a positive contributor. A near-double-double is always good. I only wish he established himself more as a scorer.

Grade: B

Jarrett Allen

16 points (7-10 shooting, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks

What else would you expect at this point? Allen anchored the defense, grabbed 14 rebounds and finished almost everything at the rim. He’s a two-way monster that never quite gets the credit he probably deserves. Enjoy this emphatic rejection at the rim.

Grade: A+

Caris LeVert

16 points (7-13 shooting), 6 rebounds, 6 assists

This is the best start LeVert has had to a season. Seriously. He’s been lights out on both ends of the floor and his scoring has been as efficient as you could imagine. LeVert broke down the Pelicans’ defense and made great decisions all night long.

Grade: A+

Sam Merrill

9 points (3-6 shooting), 2 rebounds, 2 turnovers, 3 fouls

Any game where Merrill finishes with 3+ three-pointers is a game where he is doing his job. He’s one of the best movement shooters in the league and applies constant pressure to the defense. Tonight was no different — even if he wasn’t as effective in other areas of the floor.

Grade: B

Georges Niang

9 points (4-8 shooting), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block

Niang drew a unique matchup for several stretches against Zion Williamson tonight. He did an acceptable job slowing Williamson down from bullying his way to the rim. If Niang had shot better than 1-5 from deep, this would have been a much better grade.

Grade: B-

Isaac Okoro

7 points (3-3 shooting), 4 rebounds, 3 assists

Okoro was perfect from the floor and even knocked down a three-pointer from the top of the key. But his fit next to the core four has never been perfect. His lack of offensive skills makes him a tough piece to fit next to both bigs. That’s why the Cavs ultimately closed the game with LeVert in his place.

Still, Okoro consistently finds minutes for himself because of his defensive prowess. Anything he adds scoring-wise is a cherry on top. Multiple assists really help his grade.

Grade: B

Ty Jerome

11 points (4-7 shooting), 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals

It’s not a meme anymore. Jerome is actually good. He scored his 11 points all in 10 minutes during the first half and played a role in overcoming an early deficit for the Cavs.

Jerome knocked down two three-pointers, including a bomb from above the break. His floor spacing and quirky floater have proven to be legit offensive weapons. Combine this with his knack for steals and you have a helpful bench piece.

Grade: A+