Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets Player Grades: Collin Sexton, meet Kemba Walker

Here are player grades for the Cavs’ loss to the Hornets on Wednesday. As always, be sure to sound off below.

Collin Sexton: C-

There was definitely some good Sexton in this game, specifically in the first half. But the third quarter, when Kemba Walker absolutely went off in part due to Sexton not knowing how to defend Walker in the pick-and-roll, he looked like a rookie. And in trying to make up for it, he tried to do a bit too much by himself. This should be a learning experience for him as the game slows down.

Rodney Hood: B-

This was alright Hood game, at least on offense. For the third straight game, he was more aggressive and made some tough shots the Cavs need to him be making.

Cedi Osman: B

As it turns out, Osman is much more effective when he is allowed to slash and attack instead of being put into no-win situations where he has to create a shot out of nothing.

David Nwaba: C-

Nwaba was smart on defense, per usual, and had a nice cut to set up his one basket. But he just didn’t make his presence felt in ways he’s done in other games of late, even on defense.

Larry Nance Jr.: A-

Nance was the only Cavalier with a positive plus-minus and finished with 10 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and one block. He’s really stepped up in Tristan Thompson’s absence and it’s a positive sign considering his struggles/injury earlier this year.

Jaron Blossomgame: A

I have no idea if Blossomgame is going to stick around when he eventually runs out of days on his two-way deal. But he plays really hard, defends and contributes when he’s on the floor. And he hit three three-pointers in this one. He’s kind of a useful player, maybe?

Ante Zizic: B

This may have been Zizic’s best game of the season. He scored well inside, defended alright despite being put into some odd situations and actually looked like he belonged. That’s progress for a player that hasn’t exactly made a real push for playing time this year.

Jordan Clarkson: C

The Cavs did benefit from having Clarkson’s creation back in the lineup. But he really struggled on defense was part of the reason why the ball stopped moving around the same time the Hornets got back into the game. There’s a fine line between Clarkson being himself and leaning into what was working even when things go a little off the rails.

Alec Burks: C+

Burks was alright on offense in this game despite two airballs, as he helped move the ball and still scored. What didn’t work was his defense, as he was one of players torched by the Hornets.