Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Dallas Mavericks player grades

Cleveland continues to play down to the level of their competition. It wasn’t until early in the fourth quarter that the Cavs took control of this game and finished off the Mavericks.

J.R. Smith: B+

When Cleveland couldn’t buy a bucket, J.R. Smith was the one that hit a few three-pointers to settle the team down. Smith seems to be finding some more consistency in his role off the bench.

Jordan Clarkson: B

Clarkson was the other bright spot off the bench, adding 16 much-needed points, hitting numerous shots off of isolation moves. One of the more reliable bench players, can always be counted on to get his scoring average on a nightly basis.

Cedi Osman: B

#CediSZN is officially back, with the rookie finding time in the rotation after his return from injury. Larry Drew brought Osman off the bench to provide some spark for a life-less Cavs’ team in the first half. Osman hit a three-pointer and had some hustle plays on defense that ignited the Cavs.

LeBron James: B-

Even Justin Timberlake couldn’t slow James down from getting a triple double. The King struggled mightily from the floor the entire game, but showed up just enough to put the Mavericks to bed.

Jose Calderon: B-

Calderon was back in the starting lineup with George Hill out due to a sprained ankle. Every ounce of the Spaniard’s hustle and energy was needed for the Cavaliers to grab a win tonight.

Rodney Hood: B-

While he had a strong, aggressive start to the game, Hood’s activity level seemed to wear down as the game went on. Hood’s at his best when he’s engaged and attacking the basket, which seemed to be missing tonight.

Kevin Love: C+

Love and James had a pretty similar game. Neither could find their stroke or have a huge impact from a scoring standpoint. Love seems to be struggling on the offensive end after returning from the concussion.

Tristan Thompson: C

Thompson and James both bumped into each other for a rebound and let it go out of bounds. It perfectly described the night that Thompson was having. He missed a few easy layups, and didn’t have much success against the Dallas big men.

Larry Nance Jr.: C

Nance Jr. connected on all his shots, but his activity level has seemed to have tapered off since his hot start in a Cavaliers’ uniform. Cleveland needs to find that version of Nance Jr. heading into the playoffs.

Jeff Green: C-

Jeff Green was present on the court against the Mavericks? Four points and only three rebounds in 17 minutes of action? I’m running out of ways to describe Green’s poor performances.