The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their perfect start to the season after an inspired comeback and late-game heroics from Donovan Mitchell to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks.

Player grades are based on our usual expectations of each player.

Donovan Mitchell

30 points (11-25 shots), 4 assists, 3 rebounds

Can you hit the winning shot without getting an A+? Mitchell had to empty the clip for Cleveland to recover from an early deficit. As a result, he was not as efficient as one would normally hope. But an 11:25 shot is more than acceptable if the last attempt was to win the game. Big performances like this are why Mitchell is well on his way to becoming a franchise legend.

Grade: A+

Evan Mobley

14 points (7-13 shots), 7 rebounds, 5 assists

The Bucks' frontcourt was able to suffocate Mobley for much of this game. They challenged him to shoot threes and he shied away from even trying. Still, it's not necessary for Mobley to score more than 20 points in every game to prove he's grown.

He was assertive in key moments of the game and converted a confident layup against Brook Lopez in the fourth quarter. Mobley's rim protection was crucial in slowing Giannis Antetokounmpo – who still scored 34 points but shot just 12-27 from the floor.

Grade: B+

Darius Garland

11 points (5-13 shots), 10 assists, 3 rebounds

The Cavs hope Garland scores more every night. He shot just 1-for-5 from distance and instead of pressing, he started looking for ways to set up his teammates. Ten big assists were crucial in balancing Milwaukee's offensive power throughout the game. His off-ball defense was disruptive. This wasn't his best game, but it was an example that Garland can still make a positive contribution even when he doesn't score many goals.

Grade: B+

Jarrett Allen

15 points (6-10 shots), 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

This game felt disastrous to begin with for Allen. He committed two uncharacteristic turnovers and missed a few easy scoring opportunities. The Bucks were only able to make their big run at the expense of Allen's mistakes – but he gradually made up for them as the game went on. Allen finished the game with a respectable stat line and gave Milwaukee a run for its money when it mattered most.

Grade: B-

Dean Wade

8 points (3-8 shots), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal

Wade had a tough duel trying to contain Damian Lillard on the perimeter. He couldn't quite keep up with Lillard's speed and agility, which led to Isaac Okoro replacing him for long stretches. Still, Wade was useful against other Bucks players — including Antetokounmpo.

A Swiss Army knife like Wade will always come in handy when used correctly.

Grade: B

Sam Merrill

17 points (6-10 shots), 1 rebound, 1 assist

Merrill shot five three-pointers in this game. Each one felt like a change in momentum. His ability to fly over screens and put pressure on the defense was utilized to perfection. By the fourth quarter, Merrill's gravity created two open layups – first on a split play with Niang – and then again on a backdoor cut to the rim.

This was Merrill's best game of the season and his 17 points off the bench made the difference.

Grade: A+

Georges Niang

3 points (1-5 shots), 4 rebounds, 2 assists

I don't say this often… but Niang put in a top notch performance despite going 0-4 from distance. He was surprisingly effective on defense, drawing several offensive fouls and disrupting Milwaukee in the halfcourt. He didn't make threes, but his spacing is always helpful. I can't give him too much credit – but this game was better than the box score suggests.

Grade: C+

Isaac Okoro

13 points (4-5 shots), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

Oh yes, we're back. It took Okoro some time to get used to Kenny Atkinson's offense, but the last two games have been big steps in the right direction. He scored ten points off the bench in the first half and changed the game with two three-pointers and aggressive attacks on the basket. Okoro did his best against Lillard, who had to work for every basket against him.

Most importantly, Okoro was active on the glass. This wasn't always the case for him. But eight rebounds, including a fourth-quarter fumble, saved the game. Okoro finished with a team-high +12.

Grade: A+

Ty Jerome

3 points (1-2 shooting), 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 9 minutes

Jerome quickly proves to be a reliable floor general off the bench. He attends every game and sticks straight to the script. Quick decisions, increase the pace and distribute templates. For Jerome it was business as usual and provided a boost of energy, even though he only played nine minutes.

Grade: B

Craig Porter Jr.

0 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 5 minutes

For Porter, it was a wink. He played a short time in the second quarter when things were going badly for the Cavs. Porter didn't stand out one way or the other – but it's worth noting that Atkinson's willingness to go deep into his rotation no matter who is available has ensured the Cavs have fresh legs every game. Only Garland and Mitchell played more than 32 minutes tonight, and that's only possible because Porter was able to complete a five-minute shift.

Grade: C