On paper, the movement of Riders among greatly diminished Pistons, on a Sunday evening, was a trap. An impression that was confirmed on the field, since it was not until the fourth quarter to finally see the Cavs break away and validate their fifth victory in six games.
For once, it was not Donovan Mitchell (32 points, but at 9/23) or Darius Garland (19 points and 10 assists, but at 4/19) who stood out the most, but good Evan Mobley : 20 points and 13 rebounds in 40 minutes, 8/12 on shots.
” We didn’t want to put it all on the shoulders of [Donovan Mitchell] and [Darius Garland]. that’s why [Evan Mobley] was so important on either side of the pitch. He saved us when everyone was in trouble », reacted afterwards his coach, JB Bickerstaff.
” He was really aggressive, that’s why we stayed in the game for the first three quarters. “, estimated on his side Donovan Mitchellabout the one who received the praise of… Giannis Antetokounmpo, this weekend.
The Cavs game-changer
Above all, Evan Mobley distinguished himself in a rather unusual area for him: outside shooting. With his 2/2 at 3-pts, he scored more than one award-winning basket for the first time this season. He who turned, before this night, at a very low 16% success behind the arc, in less than one attempt per meeting (against 27% now).
” I feel quite comfortable and, on these two [tentatives]I even felt very good [au moment de les prendre]. They fell in, so it was good to experience that feeling. I’m going to keep going, keep shooting when I’m open and keep attacking the circle at the same time, to [que mes adversaires] respect [mon tir et mes pénétrations] », announced the young interior.
At just 21 years old, Evan Mobley seems aware that Cleveland’s collective ceiling will be determined, in part, by his individual progress, including his progress on offense and outside shooting. An opinion rightly shared by his coach, who encourages him to continue working on his shot.
” He’s a game-changer, he’s a game-changer “JB Bickerstaff judged in this regard. “ When you have players who can put pressure in the paint like ours, and especially when Evan [Mobley] pivot cheek, this moves the opponent’s hoop protector away from the racquet. It’s just going to create easier opportunities for everyone around, and for him too. […] It’s one of the things he’s been working on [le shoot à 3-pts]. He tries a ton in training and he’s still learning where his preferred positions are. His teammates notice when he is open and they give him the ball. »
The key to Cleveland’s success?
As for the other Cavaliers players, we also recognize that Evan Mobley’s potential ability to punish from afar can transform the face of the team, because it will create new opportunities for everyone…
“ If you go out on him and hug him close, he can obliterate you on a dribble to be level with the circle already. He is also a great passer. If you come to the aid then someone will be wide open summed up Donovan Mitchell. “ There are just so many possibilities that can arise from all of this. […] You saw him make two 3-pointers [hier] evening, so you have to respect your shoot. Now, [les défenseurs] have to watch it and it can open up the field to [Darius Garland]me or any attacker. »
Beyond having scored two 3-point baskets against the Pistons, Evan Mobley especially planted one at a key moment in the match: five minutes from the end, when Cleveland and Detroit were tied (90-90 ). From there, the Ohio franchise took the game on its own, to end the game on a 12-4!
” We have to keep trying them and keep working. »
Bodes well for the future, as the Cavs wait for him to break free more (and more often) on offense.
“ Regularity is the basis of everything “, admitted the interested party, concerning his offensive development. “ So I just try to be as consistent as possible, watch as many videos as possible, improve myself, attack where I see the best options and make the most of every possession. Some games won’t smile on you, but you just have to stay consistent, keep working and things will fall into place eventually. »
Of course, Evan Mobley will probably never become a shooter of the caliber of Kevin Love, for example, who is none other than his teammate, but that’s not really what interests Donovan Mitchell.
” We obviously don’t expect it to happen overnight, it’s a process and it’s already great to see him take and then succeed in these shots “Added the All-Star rear, for whom the essential is elsewhere. ” But even when they don’t come in, you have to keep trying them and keep working. »
| Evan Mobley | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2021-22 | KEY | 69 | 34 | 50.8 | 25.0 | 66.3 | 2.1 | 6.2 | 8.3 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 15.0 |
| 2022-23 | KEY | 19 | 34 | 54.1 | 15.4 | 70.6 | 2.6 | 5.9 | 8.5 | 2.4 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 2.3 | 1.4 | 14.5 |
| Total | 88 | 34 | 51.5 | 23.8 | 67.2 | 2.2 | 6.1 | 8.3 | 2.5 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 1.6 | 14.9 | |
