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

Tony Pesta of Fear The Sword assigned failing grades to Cleveland Cavaliers veterans following a 124-112 defeat against the Charlotte Hornets on November 10, 2026. The Cavaliers trailed by as much as 30 points in what Pesta called an alarming performance. Pesta argued that guard James Harden reached a DEFCON 1 crisis point due to defensive struggles and offensive inefficiencies, giving Harden an F grade after he recorded 11 points and four turnovers.

Pesta also assigned F grades to starters Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley for lacking defensive effort and leadership. In contrast, rookie guard Meleek Thomas earned an A grade as player of the game, leading a second-half bench rally with 18 points. Center Jarrett Allen, who scored 12 points in his return, received a B-minus grade.