Evan Mobley’s key mistake with Cavaliers sums up career disappointment originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
When Evan Mobley entered the NBA, his potential seemed limitless.
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Since then, his numbers have gotten better. His usage is getting higher and higher. The Cleveland Cavaliers trust him at a more important position.
But somehow the results haven’t come yet. Mobley didn’t express his point in the right way. He didn’t shine at the best of times.
In short, Mobley’s tantalizing talent is enough to get the Cavaliers close to their goal, but not quite there.
Perhaps there’s never been a more perfect example than Friday night.
Mobley hit a shot to help the Cavaliers take the lead in the final seconds. According to ESPN, he became the first Cavaliers player to score at least 25 points and 10 rebounds in the playoffs since LeBron James in 2018.
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But he was there, trying to stay ahead and not get the basketball out of bounds.
That helped RJ Barrett’s magical bouncing 3-pointer win the game.
Of course, Mobley may have taken a bit of a hit. But ball control, fouls, free throws, end the series.
Don’t hold it too loosely so that if you get a lump in your back, it will bounce away from you.
That’s Mobley in a nutshell.
He is amazing and can make a night so special and leave you wanting more.
This happens when he has a smaller guy next to him in the post and doesn’t obliterate him with a dunk.
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That’s what happens when he gives up open threes because he’s still not confident enough.
That happens when his often impressive ball-handling becomes a little loose and prevents him from making an impact.
Mobley plays basketball very well. But sometimes, his performance isn’t enough for the Cavaliers to win, and that was the story in the final moments of Friday night’s game in Toronto.
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