When the Detroit Pistons selected wing Cade Cunningham and Cleveland Cavaliers selected big man Evan Mobley in the top three of the 2021 NBA Draft, it was clear that the two had an opportunity to develop a rivalry that has been missing since the late 2000s.
In the two’s first matchup? Mobley and the Cavaliers got the victory against the Motor-Cade Cunningham-led Pistons, 98-78.
Mobley looked like a man on a mission early and often, finishing with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals, and a beautiful assist to Cavaliers guard Darius Garland.
While the big man is early into his Cavalier career, his ability to adjust in-game to what the defense is showing him and apply it to his game has set him apart, as well as allow him to be a focal point to the team’s early success.
“Normally, young guys are so consumed with figuring the game out for themselves that they struggle to impact winning,” Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said of Mobley following the win. “I’m not getting ahead of myself here, but he’s shown these first games that’s the impact that he can have. Because one, his skill set, but two, his intent. He does not care about anything else. There’s no agenda, there’s no motive. His sole focus is, how do I help the Cleveland Cavaliers win basketball games? And he just goes out and does that.”
Along with Mobley, Darius Garland is growing alongside the big man, both players have already flashed great chemistry early and often with the frequent alley-oop lobs leading to eruptions of cheers from the fans. The pairing of the two will likely spearhead the future of Cavaliers basketball for years to come.
What’s next?
Evan Mobley and the Cleveland Cavaliers take on Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics at 8pm from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Saturday night.
