Player Grades: Cavs vs Suns – Evan Mobley anchors the defense

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The Cleveland Cavaliers ended 2025 with a win over the Phoenix Suns. We have some optimism going into the New Year.

All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.

Donovan Mitchell

34 points, 7 assists, 10 rebounds

Mitchell’s first-half scoring was key in building a 20-point lead for Cleveland. It turns out they would need it, as this Suns team never gave up. Mitchell’s control of the offense helped the Cavs secure this win.

Grade: A+

Darius Garland

19 points, 6 assists, 1 rebound

Garland might be officially back. He’s moved like his old self for the last few weeks and is quarterbacking the Cavalier offense to perfection. Every time he’s on the court, it feels like the Cavs are humming. It’s nice to have him back.

Grade: A

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Evan Mobley

16 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks

Mobley’s been flexing his defensive muscles over his last two games. He had 3 blocks against San Antonio and added 5 more tonight. Having the Defensive Player of the Year ramping back up is a blessing for this team that had previously been faltering defensively.

Grade: A+

Sam Merrill

16 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound

As the Cavs find their groove, so does Merrill. He fits like a glove into Kenny Atkinson’s motion offense, and he nailed 4 three-pointers against the Suns.

Grade: A

Jarrett Allen

16 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists

Allen’s been much more active this week. He’s screening and rolling with intention, either finishing plays at the rim or dishing the ball and creating advantages.

Grade: A

Jaylon Tyson

18 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds

Tyson does not lack confidence. This ‘Marty Supreme’ level of belief in himself has allowed Tyson to be a monumental contributor in his first real season of playing real NBA minutes.

Grade: A

Dean Wade

5 points, 2 assists, 5 rebounds

Wade has looked like himself as of late. He’s a borderline elite defender when paired with Cleveland’s two bigs, and he’s been a positive contributor on offense.

Grade: A-

Craig Porter Jr.

2 points, 3 assists, 9 rebounds

Porter took Lonzo Ball’s place in the rotation last game, and it doesn’t look like he’s going back any time soon. CPJ hit a nasty spin move into a drop-off dime to Jarrett Allen that embodies everything he brings to this team as a backup point guard.

Grade: A

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