Grading Cavaliers Players After Defeating Nuggets 149-135: Four Players Score At Least 20 Points

Donovan Mitchell poured in 33 points, and Evan Mobley added 26 as the Cleveland Cavaliers continued their winning streak with a commanding 149-135 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Cleveland not only set a season-high in scoring but also secured their sixth consecutive win, improving to a league-best 27-4 record.

Nikola Jokic recorded his 12th triple-double of the season with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists, while Jamal Murray matched his scoring output with 27 points and 10 assists. However, the Nuggets suffered their second straight loss, struggling to keep up with Cleveland’s offensive firepower.

Michael Porter Jr. started strong for Denver, scoring 13 of the team’s first 25 points, but cooled off significantly, finishing with just 18 points for the game. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s balanced attack saw all but one starter score at least 20 points, with Darius Garland contributing 25 and Jarrett Allen chipping in 21.

The turning point came early in the second quarter. Trailing 53-50, the Cavaliers went on a game-defining 16-0 run fueled by Garland, who scored six points during the stretch. That surge gave Cleveland a double-digit lead that they maintained for the remainder of the game.

The Nuggets allowed a season-high in total points and 80 points in the first half alone. Despite Jokic’s all-around brilliance, Denver couldn’t overcome their defensive lapses. Meanwhile, Mitchell showcased his scoring versatility, shooting 6-of-12 from beyond the arc and leading Cleveland’s charge from start to finish. Let's grade the Cavaliers players for their impressive performances on Friday night. 

Donovan Mitchell: A+

Stats: 33 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 2 PF, 10-17 FG, 6-12 3PT, 7-7 FT, +4, 30 MIN

Donovan Mitchell was the driving force behind Cleveland's offensive explosion, scoring 33 points on 10-of-17 shooting and knocking down 6-of-12 three-pointers. His ability to score from all areas of the court, combined with 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and a strong defensive presence, made him the clear standout of the game. Mitchell’s performance was critical in leading the Cavaliers to a season-high 149 points, continuing their dominant six-game win streak.

Evan Mobley: A

Stats: 26 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, 9-13 FG, 4-6 3PT, 4-6 FT, -1, 31 MIN

Evan Mobley contributed significantly to the Cavaliers' success, scoring 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-6 from deep. He also added 5 rebounds and 6 assists, demonstrating his versatility as both a scorer and playmaker. Mobley’s all-around performance helped Cleveland maintain control of the game, showcasing why he's one of the most promising young players in the league.

Jarrett Allen: A

Stats: 22 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO, 2 PF, 10-13 FG, 0-0 3PT, 2-2 FT, +18, 31 MIN

Jarrett Allen had a dominant outing, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. His 10-of-13 shooting displayed his efficiency, and he was a key defensive presence, contributing to Cleveland’s ability to secure rebounds and disrupt Denver's offense. Allen’s contributions in both the paint and on defense were crucial in maintaining the Cavaliers' commanding lead.

Darius Garland: A

Stats: 25 PTS, 2 REB, 7 AST, 4 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 1 PF, 10-18 FG, 2-8 3PT, 3-4 FT, +13, 32 MIN

Darius Garland played a pivotal role in Cleveland’s offensive rhythm, scoring 25 points and adding 7 assists while also contributing 4 steals. Garland's ability to control the pace and score when needed was crucial in the Cavaliers’ 16-0 run during the second quarter. His steady playmaking and scoring ensured that Cleveland could maintain their lead throughout the game.

Caris LeVert: B-

Stats: 13 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 5-10 FG, 3-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, +3, 23 MIN

Caris LeVert made a solid contribution with 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. He was efficient with his shooting, hitting 5-of-10 field goals and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. While his performance wasn’t as impactful as some of his teammates, LeVert provided valuable minutes and scoring support for Cleveland off the bench.

Dean Wade: B-

Stats: 11 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 3-4 FG, 3-4 3PT, 2-2 FT, +19, 26 MIN

Dean Wade was effective in his 26 minutes, contributing 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. His 3-of-4 shooting from three-point range provided Cleveland with a much-needed spark, and his defensive efforts helped the Cavaliers extend their lead. Wade’s all-around performance allowed the Cavaliers to stay balanced throughout the game.

Sam Merrill: C+

Stats: 9 PTS, 3 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 3-4 FG, 3-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, +10, 19 MIN

Sam Merrill played a solid role off the bench, scoring 9 points and hitting 3-of-4 three-pointers. While his overall impact was limited, Merrill's shooting was a welcome boost for Cleveland, and his 19 minutes provided the team with valuable depth.

Max Strus: C+

Stats: 5 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, 2-5 FG, 1-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, -5, 24 MIN

Max Strus had a quieter game, contributing 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. Though he shot just 2-of-5 from the field and 1-of-4 from three, his effort on the boards and defensively helped the Cavaliers maintain their tempo. Strus’s impact was modest but important as a role player for Cleveland.

Georges Niang: C

Stats: 3 PTS, 1 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 1-5 FG, 1-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, -4, 16 MIN

Georges Niang struggled offensively, scoring only 3 points on 1-of-5 shooting, including 1-of-3 from beyond the arc. While he contributed 3 assists, Niang's lack of efficiency hindered his overall impact in the game. However, his experience was still valuable in providing minutes off the bench.

Ty Jerome: N/A

Stats: 2 PTS, 0 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 1-6 FG, 0-3 3PT, 0-1 FT, +15, 7 MIN

Ty Jerome played just 7 minutes, contributing 2 points, 4 assists, and a steal. His brief time on the court was effective, but there wasn’t enough of an opportunity to make a significant impact.

Jaylon Tyson: N/A

Stats: 0 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -2, 2 MIN

Jaylon Tyson had a limited role, playing just 2 minutes and recording 1 rebound and 1 assist. His short stint on the floor didn’t provide enough of an opportunity to contribute significantly to the game.