The Cavs Core Four: Evaluating their Game 3 performances
By Ismail Sy
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) drives to the basket on New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
Evan Mobley’s Game 3
Evan Mobley had a solid game on both ends of the floor for the Cavs. He finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds on 5-of-10 shooting and was a huge part in holding Julius Randle to 11 points on 3-for-15 shooting. For the series, Mobley has been the primary defender on Randle and lead the way in holding Randle to 7-for-31 shooting, including 3-for-14 from three-point range.
He has been the team’s best defender and he is showing everyone why he finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. But, what has been up and down in this series is the offense of Mobley. Yes, he shot 50% from the field. That is efficient and there are no complaints there. He needs to up the aggression though.
He averaged 18 points per game in the second half of the season, but he is averaging 10 PPG in this series. His rebounding has been great, as he has crossed double digits in all three games, but the offensive aggressiveness needs to follow.
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson said the Cavs were “shook up” anytime they were in the paint. That is plenty of bulletin board material for Mobley. Now it is time to respond.