The Cleveland Cavaliers won the highly anticipated game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After a tough battle, the Cavaliers prevailed 129:122 against the league’s leading defensive team.

Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.

Donovan Mitchell

11 points (3-16 shots), 4 assists, 6 rebounds

It’s hard to criticize Mitchell when he’s led the team many times. However, this game was UGLY. At no point in this game did Mitchell really get going in terms of scoring points. The shots felt forced and out of sync with the rest of the team. Mitchell is still a player that requires the attention of opposing defenses. This allowed Mitchell to still provide elite support and opened up great looks for the others on the floor. This alone saves what was a disastrous evening for the All-NBA guard.

Grade: C-

Evan Mobley

21 points (8-13 shots), 10 rebounds, 7 assists

Mobley started this game very awkwardly as the Thunder challenged him to show off the newer skills in his toolbox. They challenged him to move the ball upfield, challenge defenders beyond the rim and hit open threes. None of these options proved fruitful for the rising star. While in previous seasons Mobley would have stumbled around and become invisible, Mobley instead showed off his growth.

Mobley switched gears and constantly attacked the rim. He chooses to be a back-to-the-basket player who picks his mismatches and wins battles deep. Mobley was still a great passer, but instead of the looks that came off the dribble, they got them through a back-to-the-basket approach. Performances like this are exciting because they show how far Mobley has come.

Grade: A

Darius Garland

18 points (7-15 shots), 7 assists

Garland was as comfortable as I’ve ever seen him in a high-stakes game. While it felt like most Cavaliers players needed time to get into the rhythm and lose their nerves, Garland was immediately in the mood.

His ability to find the big guys and be the connective tissue was crucial in getting the Cavaliers’ offense going without a good game from Mitchell. Garland finished the game with timely baskets and continues to show why he leads the league in clutch field goal percentage.

Grade: A

Jarrett Allen

25 points (9-11 shooting), 9 rebounds, 6 assists

JARRETT ALLEN. Wow, what a game from the Cavs big man. Allen was always listed as the fourth player in the Cavaliers’ “Core Four” group. Well, maybe it shouldn’t be taken into account so much as an afterthought when rating stars. Allen bullied the Thunder with all his might on Wednesday night. Allen attacked the rim with an ease and ferocity that the Thunder couldn’t match.

Whether he was attacking out of character, cleaning the glass or attacking mismatches, Allen demonstrated his presence and desire on the court. This is the most complete Allen game I can remember in a long time, if not his best game as a Cavalier. If you haven’t already, feel free to send Jarrett Allen a belated Christmas present.

Grade: A++

Dean Wade

11 points (4-5 shots), 3 rebounds, 1 assist

Dean Wade had another solid performance against the Thunder, showing the ability to switch with any player on the field. Wade also shot confidently against the Thunder.

A Wade game where he’s willing to let the threes fly usually produces positive results. While this isn’t a Wade game we’ll remember at the end of the season, we are reminded of the level of value Swiss Army Wade brings to the Cavs team.

Grade: B+

Max Strus

17 points (6-7 shots), 5 assists, 3 rebounds

If ever there was a game where Strus’ problems would pay off, this was it. Strus came out of the game with confidence despite shooting poorly early in the game. The guy is unfazed at all times and is ready to vent at any time. His return wasn’t the prettiest, but against the Thunder, Strus showed nationally that he can catch fire and disrupt opposing defenses with his off-ball movement, shooting and finding the big off-rolls.

Grade: A

Caris LeVert

8 points (3-9 shots), 2 rebounds, 2 assists

My God, that LeVert game was a roller coaster ride that I want to avoid whenever possible. There was a whole LeVert experience in this performance. Whether it was LeVert hijacking possession by forgetting there were four other teammates on the floor or whether it was ill-advised midfield jumpers. Everything was on the table for this LeVert game, including at a random point in the third quarter where he caught fire after a corner. A game that just makes you shrug your shoulders.

Grade: C-

Georges Niang

3 points (1-5 shots), 2 assists, 2 rebounds

Niang found himself in a difficult position athletically against a fast, young and athletic Thunder defense. He struggled to keep up defensively and was unable to capitalize on the limited opportunities available to him. It was no surprise that this was Niang’s result, so the grade was not too low.

Grade: C-

Ty Jerome

15 points (6-7 shots), 1 assist, 2 rebounds

Ty Jerome has heard rumors that his 2024 appearances were a fluke. I hope you’ve started writing your apology letters to the MVP of months that end in “ber.”

Jerome provided a crucial boost in points as there wasn’t the consistent scoring that we had become accustomed to between Mitchell and LeVert. The floaters were back, the deceptions, the swagger, and it was glorious.

Grade: A

Isaac Okoro

0 points (0-2 shooting), 1 assist, 1 rebound

Okoro was recovering from the injury and played virtually no role in this game. While it would have been nice if he could have used another elite defender against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the context of his return makes it difficult to be strict with his minutes.

Grade: C-