Cavs Stud: Evan Mobley
When it comes to picking out a stud and a dud from each game, it doesn’t get much easier than this. After all the early season criticism, Evan Mobley told all his critics to calm down after his sensational performance last night. The second-year player was a force on the offensive end, shooting 19-of-27 from the field. There were times in the second half that he was clearly the most dominant player on the court, on both ends.
However, what makes Mobley’s performance last night so spectacular, is that it is something that you might not ever see again in the history of the league. After finishing with no made free throws or three-pointers last night, Mobley’s 38 points are the most by a player since Hakeem Olajuwan did scored 48 while making no threes or free throws in 1997. With the way the game is going currently, it wouldn’t surprise me if Mobley’s 38 doesn’t get passed up again for a long time.
Evan Mobley (Tonight vs. MIL): 38 PTS | 0 FT | 0 3FG
— Cavs Notes (@CavsNotes) January 22, 2023
Hakeem Olajuwon (1/30/97 vs. DEN): 48 PTS | 0 FT | 0 3FG
Alex English (12/6/88 at NYK): 38 PTS | 0 FT | 0 3FG
Alex English (3/3/84 vs. UTA): 44 PTS | 0 FT | 0 3FG
George Gervin (1/25/85 vs. SAS): 42 PTS | 0 FT | 0 3FG https://t.co/LGyu5MDAhX
Overall it was a masterclass from Mobley. He was brilliant on the offensive end, and was still a force in the paint on defense. Fans will continue to criticize the young man because he’s not quite the finished product on offense yet, but last night showed what’s in store.
If Mobley can keep being aggressive and assertive when the time calls, the critics will fade away very quickly.