Player Grades: Cavs vs Knicks Game 2 – Backcourt hasn’t been good enough
The Cavs need more from their two stars in the backcourt.
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 and James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers look on during the game against the New York Knicks during Game Two of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 21, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images The Cleveland Cavaliers lost Game 2 to the New York Knicks 109-93.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player. Donovan Mitchell 26 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover Mitchell doesn’t look right. Or left, when he has the ball.
He only looks up towards the rim. Jokes aside, Mitchell genuinely doesn’t look right physically. He’s as limited as I’ve ever seen him, hardly getting any burst or upward lift on his drives.
That’s made it near impossible for him to get to his spots against a rangy Knicks defense. Outside of that, decision-making remains a blemish. Mitchell ended the night with only 1 assist, something that just isn’t good enough at this stage of the game.