The Cleveland Cavaliers survived a thriller against the Toronto Raptors, largely thanks to Dennis Schroder.
Schroder, we all owe you an apology. You might have just saved the season.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
19 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers
This started off as another poor showing from Mitchell. Despite a pair of absurd three-pointers in the first half, Mitchell’s decision-making was once again off from the start. He’s struggled to read Toronto’s defense in every game since Game 2 — but he finally found a groove again in the second half.
It wasn’t perfect. But Mitchell put his head down, and windmill gathered his way back into the interior. His scoring in the paint was a positive, and it helped turn the momentum back in Cleveland’s favor as they began their rally.
Notably, Mitchell was absent for a long stretch during the fourth quarter. Head coach Kenny Atkinson says that was because Mitchell insisted the Cavs keep Dennis Schroder, who was on a heater, in the game instead of him. For all of the complaints we have of Mitchell getting tunnel vision on offense — he’s still one of the more humble superstars in the league. He’ll get bonus points for that.
“It’s on me to take a step back,” said Mitchell. “I know who I am, y’all know who I am… the only thing that matters is winning the game… I could score zero points, as long as we win, I don’t give a damn.”
Grade: C–
James Harden
23 points, 5 assists, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 6 turnovers
This game looks different if Harden doesn’t meet the moment with his scoring in the first half. Toronto couldn’t be stopped, rampaging to 74 points in the first two quarters. Harden kept the Cavs in the race by scoring 19 points of his own to keep Cleveland’s deficit in single digits.
Again, it wasn’t perfect. This was Harden’s fourth game of the series with 5+ turnovers (he had six tonight). Being careless with the ball contributed to 28 points off turnovers for the Raptors. Still, if it wasn’t for a few of his drives to the basket, this Cavalier offense would have been DOA.
Grade: B+
Evan Mobley
23 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 blocks
I’m not sure how many Cavaliers faced more pressure entering this one. Mobley was heavily scrutinized for his poor performances in Toronto. So, how did he respond?
Well, a pair of huge triples in the fourth quarter goes a long way to making you feel better.
Mobley ended with 23 points, shooting 8-13 from the floor and re-integrating himself as one of the league’s best play-finishers. All the while, his rim protection helped pave the way for Cleveland’s second-half comeback.
Grade: B+
Dennis Schroder
19 points, 2 assists
The man of the hour.
I can’t say it enough, Schroder saved the day in Game 5. The sheer intensity and urgency with which he played every minute is a stark contrast to some of the more lackadaisical performances we’ve seen from Cavs playoff games of the past.
Schroder’s ball-handling opened the floor for Cleveland’s offense to get back into the driver’s seat. He scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, bursting to the rim and drilling clutch shot after clutch shot.
Grade: A+++
Jarrett Allen
9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks
The Cavs have been lacking force from their frontcourt. Losing the physicality battle is a theme we’ve seen too often in Cleveland. Part of winning that battle, however, is making sure the bigs are energized by being functional members of the offense. We saw that effect in the second half, as Allen went from a total no-show to a real difference maker.
I can’t say Allen was great, by any means. But a few opportunities in the short-roll and on deep-seals allowed him to get on the board. From there, a handful of great contests (and blocks) at the rim fueled Rocket Arena back into a frenzy.
Grade: C+
Dean Wade
7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Wade was moved back to the bench tonight as the Cavs opted for Max Strus in the starting five. More on that later. But Wade’s defensive impact was as strong as ever, and he made a few nice plays off the ball to make himself visible on offense. That diminished as the game went on, and Wade finished 3-10 from the floor.
But taking that many shot attempts is a step forward in and of itself. And Wade has more than proven he belongs in the playoff rotation, whether it’s as a starter or bench contributor.
Grade: B+
Max Strus
8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Strus joined the starters tonight, a risky move that initially looked like a total dud. The Cavs sacrificed size on the wing and weren’t reaping enough rewards from having another volume shooter next to the backcourt. That started to course correct itself in the second half.
The Cavs found much more success with Strus after halftime. The defense started to play with more urgency, and Strus continued to do all of the little things that won’t show up in the box score.
Grade: C+
Thomas Bryant
0 points, 1 rebound, 1 turnover
Bryant was dusted off the bench for his first meaningful run in this series. It was a mixed bag. He sets crushing screens and can match Toronto’s intensity. But he couldn’t match their speed, and struggled to contain the pick-and-roll.
Grade: D-
Jaylon Tyson
8 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists
Tyson’s stepback jumper in the fourth quarter was key to keeping momentum. He hasn’t been afraid of the moment all year, so it was great to see Tyson take and make such a key shot in Game 5.
Grade: C+
Sam Merrill
9 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal
Merrill is emerging as the silent hero of the series. His effort on defense is as high as anyone on the roster. And, he’s been gradually finding his touch from behind the arch. Merrill added 9 points on 2-3 shooting today, working his way to the free-throw line four times, as well.
Sam finished with a team-high plus-19 in this game.
Grade: B+