Player Grades: Cavs at Pacers – Donovan Mitchell’s 43 points lead the way

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers broke a three-game losing streak by knocking off the Indiana Pacers 135-119. This one felt good.

Donovan Mitchell

43 points, 6 assists, 9 rebounds

Mitchell had 27 points going into the fourth quarter, already outpacing last night’s performance against Boston. He looked spry and efficient despite being on the second night of a back-to-back. This was another masterclass from Mitchell.

Grade: A+

Jaylon Tyson

27 points, 4 assists, 11 rebounds

Tyson had a lot to say after Cleveland’s loss to Boston last night. He backed up every single word tonight. A huge scoring performance featuring a load of hustle plays made Tyson the most impactful player on the floor.

Grade: A+

Evan Mobley

13 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds

Mobley began the game 4-6 from the floor, then went cold, shooting 2-7 the rest of the way. He still looked comfortable and confident, dishing 5 assists. I’m mostly okay with this process from Mobley, as better results should typically follow. He took good shots and anchored the defense. It just wasn’t his night, as Mitchell and Tyson had it rolling.

Grade: B–

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Thomas Bryant

6 points, 0 assists, 2 rebounds

Bryant was more impactful than last night. His pump-fake and two-hand slam in the second half was a highlight.

Grade: B

De’Andre Hunter

13 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds

Hunter fought hard defensively but wasn’t super impactful on offense. He had another inefficient night (shooting 4-10) and, at times, was standing in everyone else’s way.

Grade: B-

Craig Porter Jr.

4 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds

Porter might just be the best backup point guard on the roster. The box score doesn’t do him justice. Porter had his hand on multiple deflections and offensive rebounds, all while orchestrating the offense for the second unit.

Grade: A+

Dean Wade

9 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds

Wade is now shooting 21-71 (29%) from deep on the season. He’s seemingly lost a step defensively and can’t buy a jump shot.

Grade: D+

Nae’Qwan Tomlin

6 points, 6 assists, 1 rebound

Tomlin’s energy is infectious. He had 4 blocks and 2 steals in another frenetic performance.

Grade: A+

Tyrese Proctor

12 points, 0 assists, 2 rebounds

Proctor wasn’t very efficient tonight (3-9 from the floor), but he did connect on three three-pointers that all felt like momentum swingers.

Grade: B