On Saturday afternoon, the Cleveland Cavaliers continued their hot start to the season with a road win over the Charlotte Hornets, pushing their record to an astonishing 21-3. On Saturday, it was Evan Mobley who was the star of the show for Cleveland, as the big man poured in 41 points to go along with 10 rebounds and two assists in the victory.
In fact, Mobley reached an NBA milestone in the process, joining Kevin Durant as the only players in NBA history to record 40 or more points, 10 or more rebounds, three or more blocks, and five or more three pointers made in the same game before reaching the age of 25, per NBA History on X.
Evan Mobley’s progression has been a huge part of the reason why the Cavs have been able to get off to such a hot start this year. The former USC big man has always had elite talent which allowed him to be a lottery pick a few years ago, but the Cavs are now beginning to see increased aggression offensively from the big man, along with continued refined instincts and development on the defensive end of the floor.
Can the Cavs keep up this pace?
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) celebrates a three point basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Spectrum Center.
Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
At the current juncture, the Cavs are on pace to win over 71 games, which would be the third most in NBA history, behind only the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls and Stephen Curry’s 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. It would appear to be a dubious proposition at best that the Cavs truly are able to follow through and hit that benchmark.
However, there’s no reason why the Cavs can’t lap the field in the Eastern Conference, including even the Boston Celtics, who don’t appear as motivated this regular season as they were around this time a year ago.
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Overall, the Cavs have arguably the deepest roster in the NBA, with players like Ty Jerome and Caris LeVert playing huge rolls off of the bench so far this year. Of course, Donovan Mitchell is continuing to play at an MVP level, and the team has also seen improved efficiency from point guard Darius Garland.
Still, for the Cavs to be the best version of themselves, Mobley has to continue to show the aggression and perimeter shooting ability he displayed in the road win over the Hornets.
The Cavs are right back at it against another Eastern Conference foe on Sunday evening, as the team is slated to take on the Miami Heat on the road. That game will tip off at 6:00 PM ET.