The Cavaliers didn’t fall asleep at the wheel in what could have been an easy off-night playing the Orlando Magic for the second time in three days.
Winner: Donovan Mitchell in Primetime
Magic fans must have been clutching at their side tables as Mitchell looked to repeat his stellar outing just two days prior. Well, if they weren’t scared before, they certainly were in the first half as Mitchell came blazing out of the gates, scoring an efficient 26 points at the half. It didn’t just stop there, as Mitchell singlehandedly broke the Magic’s third quarter momentum as he scored 36 points by the end of the third quarter, which matched his total from the first bout in Orlando.
Mitchell’s performance wasn’t the Cavaliers’ lifeline, but it certainly helped to keep the Magic at arm’s reach in the second half.
When Mitchell has it going, the Cavaliers are more likely to be in any game, regardless of the moving pieces around him. Mitchell is more likely to pick his spots wisely when he’s rolling, and when he shoots as efficiently as he did tonight (15 for 25 shooting), it is hard for an opponent to survive. This is hands down one of the better nights in a fantastic individual season for Donovan Mitchell.
Winner: Evan Mobley’s comfort level returning
Mobley has shown flashes since coming back from injury; however, the past few games have really shown the reigning Defensive Player of the Year turning a corner.
Against the Magic, Mobley came out early and aggressive with a quick eleven points in the first. While Mobley for the majority of the season, has taken an increased volume of perimeter shots to stack up the points, instead, Mobley has been putting his hard hat on and getting to work in the post and around the rim.
Mobley, when he is scoring comfortably inside the restricted area as well as sprinkling in some threes, is when his game is at its most lethal. While this trailed off in the second half, it was still a good sign that we were seeing this version of Mobley. Mobley finished the game with 20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks.
Winner: Collective Effort
While you would look at Mitchell’s outing and think it was a Mitchell wearing a cape kind of night, there were major contributions from the sum of the Cavaliers’ parts.
Jaylon Tyson put some back-breaking threes in the third and was as constant a force as out there, finishing with 14 points.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Craig Porter Jr put up their usual effort and tenacity that appeared to frustrate the already struggling Orlando offense. Even Tyrese Proctor came in with his best effort of imitating Sam Merrill going 2-2 from the three-point line.
Lonzo Ball……………….anyways.
Loser: Jarrett Allen’s involvement
I want to start this statement with a disclaimer. My issue is not with Jarrett Allen, more so how the staff and players are relegating Allen offensively. The Cavaliers’ offense is always at its best when they use their two bigs (Mobley and Allen) frequently, as many lineups aren’t properly equipped.
While the Cavaliers usually try to force-feed Evan, it seems like they leave Allen on offense the way you leave the veggies on your dinner plate.
It feels like favorite kid syndrome to me, and it’s getting to the point where discussions need to be made either this trade deadline or in the offseason. Because if you don’t plan on using Allen, then how about trading him for someone you would.
I know the Cavaliers won this game, but there were stretches where the coaching staff was throwing out a lineup with Lonzo Ball, Tyrese Proctor, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Larry Nance Jr, and Craig Porter Jr. Why couldn’t Allen have gotten run then?
All I am asking is that Jarrett gets more touches, as the team is at their best when the paint is active and alive.
Also — as a side note — Jarrett…I agree with your book review of “The Man Who Died Seven Times”.