The Cleveland Cavaliers got their revenge, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves behind a dominant second half.
WINNER - Evan Mobley Takes Over
If you’re in line for another Evan Mobley leap, stay in line!
We understand that Mobley’s progression has happened more slowly than some would like. This season has felt more like a regression than a step forward in many ways. But Mobley delivered a much-needed performance in the second half tonight to reassure everyone that he is, in fact, still an All-NBA caliber player.
Mobley had 8 points at the half. Typically, if you’re following this season’s trend, that would mean Mobley’s scoring was mostly over. He’s been fairly quiet in the second half this season.
That wasn’t the case today. He scored 16 points in the second half and finished with 24 points on 11-16 shooting.
Mobley had six dunks in the second half, including an isolation play against Rudy Gobert, where he one-handedly pump-faked the four-time DPOY before slamming it over his head. Mobley converted everything at the rim, scored off the dribble, and floated it home for his best game of the season.
This was everything you want to see from Mobley. He used his athleticism and size to punish one of the best defenders in basketball. If he can do this to the Wolves’ frontcourt, he can do it to anyone.
WINNER - Sam ‘Money’ Merrill
Let’s take a moment to give Sam Merrill a nod.
We knew that Merril could shoot the ball. But he’s arguably been the best shooter in basketball this season. He’s lighting it up on a nightly basis, hitting five three-pointers in 25 minutes today. Over his last five games, Merrill is shooting 25-43 (58%) from downtown.
That seems good.
Merrill can get his shot off under any circumstances. He buried a heavily contested three-pointer over Donte DiVincenzo in the first half, and Merrill is relentless in moving off-the-ball to find an opening. He’s grown as a playmaker and defender, as well, making him a highly valuable archetype in today’s NBA.
WINNER - A Knockout Punch
The Cavs entered the fourth quarter with an 8-point lead. They earned that by outscoring the Wolves 36-26 in the third quarter. While that opening quarter of the second half was fun — the Cavs saved their best for last.
Cleveland erupted for 47 points in the fourth quarter, connecting on 10 consecutive shots at one point. The offense could do no wrong, and Minnesota had no chance of keeping up.
Jaylon Tyson was exceptional. He had 10 points going into the fourth quarter. He finished with 23 points, scoring 13 on 5-6 shooting in the final frame. Tyson hit a pair of three-pointers that felt like backbreakers for the Wolves.
The Cavs shot 10-15 from deep in the second half overall.
This was the best win of the season for Cleveland. They bounce back from a tough loss to the Wolves by making things right on their home floor in a quick rematch. The defense could have been better, sure. But this knockout punch is something we’ve been begging to see from a Cavs team that felt lifeless during the first half of the season. This game makes you think the Cavs might be dangerous again.