Player Grades: Cavs vs Hornets – James Harden reaches DEFCON 1

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 9: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 9, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Charlotte Hornets 124-112 in a game that trailed by as much as 30 points.This is, without a doubt, one of the most alarming and concerning games the Cavs have played in the last five seasons.Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player. Player of the gameMeleek Thomas18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assistsThomas and the Cavs’ youth were responsible for some of the only inspiring basketball that was played tonight.They weren’t perfect, but Thomas led the way with an energetic half that showed most of the team’s issues are centered on not trying hard enough. Thomas shot 7-12 from the floor. His effort and shot-making allowed the Cavs reserves to cut the deficit to within single digits. Grade: AGradesDonovan Mitchell11 points, 4 assists, 2 reboundsMitchell has cleaned up his offensive process in recent games to strike a solid balance between playmaking and scoring. His approach offensively wasn’t the issue tonight. It was his defensive effort, and the fact that this team has lost all semblance of an identity around him.Grade: FJarrett Allen12 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 blockAllen was awesome in the first quarter of this game. He made his return with a bang, detonating on a lob pass for the first play of the game. He finished the opening quarter with 9 points and 4 rebounds on a perfect 4-4 shooting. He even drilled a three-pointer.It’s not Allen’s fault that everything went down the drain. Grade: B–Evan Mobley9 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 blockMobley is expected to be capable of transcending all of this. I can’t give him a pass for fading into the background when the team is spiraling out of control. He’s one of the players who is supposed to stabilize things. This wasn’t it.Grade: FJames Harden11 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 4 turnoversIt’s time to be concerned.Harden has not looked good this season. Far from it. He’s hit a new low defensively, and he’s nowhere near good enough on offense right now to justify his minutes. This is a DEFCON 1 situation that can’t be ignored. The Cavs may have made a franchise altering mistake here https://t.co/sJpfAInGIS— Tony Pesta (@Tony_Pesta) November 10, 2026The Cavs traded for Harden, and then extended him, understanding that the league has been rapidly moving away from his style of play. His slow-paced, heliocentric offense could only carry you so far even in his prime. At 37, Harden isn’t showing that he’ll be able to adapt his game to no longer being a one-man wrecking crew.Grade: FPeyton Watson13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assistsWatson has not been able to find his niche yet. Most of his scoring comes outside of the team’s system — and he is not providing enough defensively to tip the scales.Grade: D+Mario Hezonja10 points, 3 reboundsHezonja is hitting some speed bumps recently but is still someone who I’d feel comfortable giving more minutes to. He plays hard, and he probably has more offensive production in the tank if Cleveland can figure out where he fits.Grade: D+Thomas Bryant11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 blockI’ve given the Cavs flak for signing Bryant as soon as free agency began last summer. That’s only because I think it was worth doing your due diligence and searching for a potential upgrade. It is not to disrespect or invalidate Bryant as a stone-cold veteran who plays every possession like it’s life or death.Bryant plays with a sense of urgency and is a fine role model for the younger players on this team. Grade: D+Tyrese Proctor6 points, 4 assists, 1 reboundProctor was part of the inspiring group that brought this game back into reach. Effort and energy matter. Looking like you care about basketball matters. The intention that Proctor plays with on each possession was enough to string together stops and scores. Aka, winning basketball.Grade: C+Riley Minix2 points, 2 reboundsWhat a turn of events it’s been for Minix. This wasn’t a barn burner by any means; he shot just 1-of-4, but Minix deserves a ton of credit for brushing off the fact that this team waived him last week and only brought him back due to necessity. He’s played hard and was a positive tonight, given the circumstances.Grade: C+Norchad Omier0 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assistsOmier is another two-way prospect who had a chance to get some run tonight. He made his impact through hustle, and as is the theme, that was enough to make him a positive in stark contrast to the starters. Grade: C+Craig Porter Jr.9 points, 4 assists, 2 reboundsPorter showed signs of life after a fairly troubling start to the season. He got downhill and looked effective as a ball-handler again. The Cavs would love it if he could get back to being a plus defender and creator. Grade: B