Player Grades: Cavs vs Heat – Max Strus goes for 29 points

Mar 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (2) celebrates after hitting a three point basket during the second half against the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images The Cleveland Cavaliers obliterated the Miami Heat in a bounce-back performance from their previous meeting. All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.

Donovan Mitchell 6 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals Mitchell played the role of facilitator in this one. He used his gravity as a weapon, drawing multiple defenders and generating open looks for his teammates. Mitchell threw dimes to the bigs and sprayed it out for shooters like Sam Merrill to get rolling.

I know it’s weird to give Mitchell such a positive grade when he shot 1-10 from the floor. But trust me, he was better than the box score suggests. Grade: B James Harden 17 points, 14 assists, 5 rebounds The Heat didn’t have any answers for Harden.

He was a menace in isolation, making Norman Powell and Tyler Herro look like rookies. Whether he was scoring or passing, Harden was in full control tonight. “I think James had 20 potential assists, he just finds the right solution in every situation,” said Kenny Atkinson after the game.