Player Ratings: Cavs vs Raptors Game 2 – Donovan Mitchell drops to 30 again
The Cleveland Cavaliers took a 2-0 lead over the Toronto Raptors.
All ratings are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
30 points, 5 assists, 7 rebounds, 1 steal
This was another dynamic scoring game from Mitchell. He opened the night with a handful of ridiculous jumps, including a one-legged escape at the end of the clock.
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Mitchell continued to put pressure on Toronto’s defense as the game went on. The Raptors did their best to show extra help and get the ball out of his hands. But Mitchell was still able to inflict significant damage despite seeing multiple defenders on every other possession.
Grade: A+
James Harden
28 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds, 5 steals
Harden hit a tough step-back three-pointer on the Raptors’ double team in the second quarter, and that wasn’t even his most impressive shot of the period. One possession later, he dropped Scottie Barnes and hit another 3-pointer.
His mastery of the pick-and-roll gave the Cavs the lead during Game 1. In Game 2, Harden’s elite shooting neutralized even Toronto’s best defense.
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Grade: A+
Evan Mobley
25 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
Mobley could be rising before our eyes. He’s playing with the most confidence we’ve seen from him in a playoff setting. He celebrated in the paint every time the Raptors gave him a smaller forward. And when they tried to get a bigger player like Mamu on him, Mobley would explode on him for a bucket.
“Aggressive, he put his head down and got to the rim, trying to dunk people,” James Harden said of Mobley after the game. “He recognized that ‘hey, they’re changing the pick-and-rolls, so I have to take it, otherwise I’m going to shut down the offensive rebounds’.”
This is the version of Mobley that can help the Cavs reach their peak. Headhunt for mismatches and replaces finisher to complement his two star guards.
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Grade: A+
Jarrett Allen
10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 blocks
The score won’t always reflect Allen’s impact as games are dominated by Harden, Mitchell and Mobley. However, while I think Allen’s value was much larger than the stats suggest, this wasn’t his best performance. Specifically, on the glass, where Allen only had 1 rebound to start the first half and finished with 3 rebounds overall.
This is a team sport, of course, and the Cavs haven’t put a dent on the scoreboard in any way. But this is still an area you want Allen to be more present in, considering how poorly this category has gone for him in the past.
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But don’t misunderstand. Allen’s size advantage in the paint has proven to be a big problem for the Raptors as they struggle to assert themselves on both ends of the floor.
Grade: C
Dean Wade
3 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
Wade is proving his worth as a wing defender in this series. He played a huge role in blocking Brandon Ingram in the second half of Game 1 and helped hold Ingram to 3-15 shooting with 5 turnovers.
He’s elite and a huge relief to anyone who’s been waiting to see this version of Wade in the postseason.
“It’s a luxury to have a 6’9″ wing that we can use as a stopper,” Kenny Atkinson said after the game. “He’s been phenomenal so far.”
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I still think the Cavs could use Wade more on offense. The Raptors seemed to bet against him doing anything with the ball during this game and successfully blocked a few possessions as a result.
Grade: A
Max Strus
6 points, 3 rebounds3 assists
The Strus never quite let loose in this one. It was a far cry from the 24 points he poured into Toronto in Game 1. However, he drilled a big-momentum shot in the fourth quarter and kept the defensive intensity high throughout the game.
Grade: C-
Keon Ellis
0 points, 2 steals
Ellis was destructive with his hands tonight. He disrupted some shows and amped up Cleveland audiences with his hoopla.
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It would still be nice to do a separate I’m shooting. Only one?
Grade: D
Jaylon Tyson
3 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds,
Tyson looked less frenetic than in his debut. I actually think a brief brawl in the second half calmed his nerves a bit. Attention to detail and focus are the main things I’m keeping an eye on as Tyson gets his playoff legs under him. Tonight was a small step forward, but it’s still progress.
Grade: D+
Sam Merrill
5 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Merrill hit a timely 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. Beyond that, the Cavs simply want more from him. He fights hard on defense, but that’s not what will keep him on the court during the playoffs. We need a shot of Merrill Mania ASAP.
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Grade: D+
Dennis Schroder
5 points, 4 assists, 1 rebound
The Cavs will definitely need more from Schroder if he wants to stay in the rotation. He hasn’t found many gaps on defense and is giving the Raptors a significant size advantage, even though he’s a scrappy guy who plays above his height.
Grade: D