Cavs: Grades are in and team is hanging on, but barely

Isaac Okoro Grade: C

The biggest disappointment so far in the Cavs starting five, of late at least, has to be Isaac Okoro. He’s on the court a lot, especially in the Cavaliers’ last three losses, but the time isn’t producing much, other than missed shots and missteps. He has scored 8, 10, and 12 points while averaging near 40 minutes of playing time. He’s 1-for-10 on three-point attempts in the last three games. He just doesn’t seem comfortable taking that long distance shot.

He is starting to score more than he did two weeks ago but the Cavaliers are going to need to get Okoro to play better or he may find himself coming off the bench instead. Okoro is only 20 years old and in his second season, but averaging seven points a game isn’t helping the team’s chances.

Ed Davis Grade: B

With the recent injury to big man and rookie sensation Evan Mobley, Ed Davis, the 11-year veteran of the league, had started the last two games for the Cavs. That was due to Allen missing the past few because of illness, combined with Mobley out, too.

In his first game in that role, he played 23 minutes, added six points and more importantly 11 rebounds. In his second game against the Warriors, he continued to be that rebounding machine grabbing 14 of them and playing even more inspired. He finished with seven points but also got two blocks in the game and didn’t miss his putbacks at the rim.

As was noted, fortunately, Allen, the other regular starter for Cleveland, should return to the starting lineup and give Davis a break. But it was nice to see Davis help the team out, even in tough losses.