CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 6: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ersduring the 2026 Emirates NBA Cup on November 6 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images Tony Pesta · SB Nation Sat, November 7, 2026 at 3:28 AM UTC · 3 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cleveland Cavaliers took care of business against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Mitchell opened this game with a flurry of scoring to put the Cavs ahead right away. He continued the first half by doing a little bit of everything, dishing 7 assists and grabbing 5 rebounds to go with his 15 points in the opening quarters.
The Cavs have searched for the appropriate balance between Mitchell's scoring and playmaking to start this season. Tonight looked like the right idea. His shot-making kept Philly on their back foot, and Mitchell made the right reads when the time to pass emerged.
22 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 1 steal
Mobley looked spry and agile tonight as he helped hold Joel Embiid to a 0-for-9 shooting start. He also cooked Embiid with a mean-jab step before bursting around him to the rim in the third quarter. It was a strong two-way game from Mobley, who held his own as the lone big after Jarrett Allen was ruled out for tonight's game.
Picking between Mobley and Mitchell for Player of the Game was splitting hairs.
Harden didn't have it rolling until the game was already out of reach, but he filled his role and bought in defensively to help the Cavs turn that end of the floor into a roaring positive.
12 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 steal s
Thomas hit two three-pointers in the first half, both sent Rocket Arena into a frenzy. The Cleveland crowd has already fallen in love with the 20-year-old rookie, and I'm giving him a bonus half-grade for holding his own in the post against LeBron James.
Watson returned tonight after missing the previous two games with a hamstring injury. It took him some time to warm back up, but Watson began to settle into a groove during Cleveland's run in the third quarter. His downhill drives are something this team hasn't had at the small forward position, and they provide added rim pressure that benefits everyone.
15 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
By all definitions of the award, Mario Hezonja should be the league's Most Improved Player this season. He's gone from outcast to someone who can't be left out of the rotation as Cleveland leans on Hezonja for his size, playmaking, and floor spacing.
Merrill is struggling through something right now and left the game early with a right elbow injury.
3 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists , 2 steals
Proctor made his impact felt early by grabbing 4 offensive rebounds in the first quarter. He scrapped and clawed defensively for 2 steals and multiple deflections, making up for a poor night of shooting the ball.
Source: Sports
