Miami Heat big man Kevin Love came into the Cleveland Cavaliers’ locker room to apologize to big man Evan Mobley after the Cavs youngster suffered an ankle injury from landing on Love’s foot.
“After the game, Mobley spoke with Love, the apologetic former Cavalier who came into the visitor’s locker room and lamented the role his size 18 shoe played in that untimely injury,” Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor wrote. “No worries. Mobley seems fine. He’s also historically a quick healer. Plus, it’s not the worst timing either.”
Mobley did not return to the game for the Cavs with the injury, playing just under 12 minutes of action (11:46) in the loss to Miami. The former lottery pick finished with four points, three rebounds and steal while shooting 2-for-4 from the field. He missed his lone attempt from beyond the arc.
“I’m good,” Mobley told Cleveland.com. “This break should help.”
The Cavs don’t play again until Friday, so Mobley will have some time to rest up and get his ankle ready to go for game action. Cleveland takes on the Washington Wizards on Friday. Washington has just three wins on the season in 22 games, so the Cavs would love to bounce back with a win.
It’s nice to see Love checking in on Mobley, especially since the two were teammates early on in Mobley’s career. Clearly, Love wanted to see how his former teammate was doing.
Mobley has been one of the Cavs’ most important players this season, averaging 18.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocks per game in the 2024-25 season. He’s shooting 55.8 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from beyond the arc.
Mobley’s 3-point percentage is the highest of his young career, and he’s attempting a career-high 2.3 shots per game from beyond the arc this season.
The Cavs are certainly hoping that the former No. 3 overall pick will be able to return on Friday, but if not, the Cavs could potentially get him back against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, Dec. 16.
Cleveland is the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference so far this season, winning 21 of its first 25 games.
If Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland can stay relatively healthy, the Cavs should remain in the mix for a top spot in the East in the 2024-25 campaign.