Cleveland Cavaliers at Brooklyn Nets player grades

A double whammy for Cleveland against the Nets today, winning their fifth straight, while also improving the lottery odds of the Nets’ draft pick.

LeBron James: A+

Step-back three-pointer from the left wing with less than a minute to go? Nothing but net. That shot was the icing on the cake for a 37-point, 10-rebound, eight-assist performance.

Kevin Love: A

This might have been the quietest 20-point, 15-rebound performance of the season, but Love continues to be highly effective as the Robin to LeBron’s Batman.

Rodney Hood: A

Hood was sensational down the stretch in the fourth quarter, scoring nine points and even taking a charge on the other end. He’s had a tough start in a Cavs’ uniform, but looked solid since returning from injury.

George Hill: A

The Cavs’ starting point guard finally seems to have settled in, connecting on 3-of-5 from deep today and creating numerous easy looks for James and Co.

Jordan Clarkson: A-

Clarkson was huge off the bench today, adding 18 “Cleveland needed every one of them” points.

Tristan Thompson: B

Thompson seems to be more active on the glass as he gets more minutes under his belt after returning from injury. He had 10 total rebounds, three of which came on the offensive glass and created extra possessions for the Cavs.

Larry Nance Jr.: B-

Nance Jr. was bothered by foul trouble all day long, so he didn’t get much of a chance to have an impact.

Jose Calderon: B-

Calderon showed up, I guess? 1-of-6 from the floor won’t bode too well with his chances of being in the Cavs’ rotation.

J.R. Smith: C

Smith got lost on defense multiple times, missed his two three-point attempts and will continually find less time on the court with Hood and Clarkson rounding into form.