When the Cleveland Cavaliers' star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell was ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Portland Trailblazers, questions arose about whether the Cavaliers' alarming struggles over their last five games would continue.
Though the Cavs have all but locked up the first seed in the Eastern Conference, they had lost four of their last five games leading up to their contest against the Trailblazers. Their only win in this stretch came against the Utah Jazz, who seem to be actively avoiding winning games in hopes of drafting Duke's Cooper Flagg in June.
Without Donovan Mitchell in the lineup, fans were worried this downward spiral could continue.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) is congratulated by his teammate. Michael McLoone-Imagn Images Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Led by the young duo of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, Cleveland resoundingly silenced these concerns. The duo combined for nearly 50 points and 12 assists in a spot where Cleveland desperately needed it.
Though they were facing the Trail Blazers, who are currently fighting an uphill battle for a spot in the Play-In Tournament, moments like these are the ones that show a team who they can lean on when players leave the lineup.
Unfortunately, injuries are always a factor in sports. After a grueling 82-game regular season, players inevitably get hurt, and teams have to adapt. The teams that can adjust well are the teams that succeed in the postseason.
Just this past year, Donovan Mitchell strained his calf in game three of the Cavs' playoff series against the eventual-champion Boston Celtics. Cleveland went on to lose the following two games of the series and were knocked out of the playoffs.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum reacts after a missed free throw against the Cleveland Cavaliers. David Richard-Imagn Images David Richard-Imagn Images
Players like Evan Mobley and Darius Garland have to be prepared to step up and shoulder the load when needed, and they did just that against Portland.
Mobley, who sits at second in the Defensive Player of the Year race, has his hands full on the defensive end every night. Tuesday was no different, as Mobley tied his season-high with four blocks. However, the Cavs needed Mobley to produce on the other end as well with their leading scorer on the bench.
Mobley more than rose to the occasion, pouring in 21 points and dishing out four assists. Here is one example of the night Mobley had, taking the ball up the court on the fast break and muscling through Deni Avdija for the jam:
EVAN MOBLEY SHOWING OFF THE STRENGTH pic.twitter.com/6jyncweXb4
— NBA (@NBA) March 26, 2025
At point guard, the supremely smooth Garland took over the game on offense with an efficient 27 points and eight assists. Garland spent the night showcasing his ability to score from all three levels while producing quality looks for his teammates.
Though Mobley and Garland are both exceptionally talented players, their inability to keep the Cavs afloat against the Celtics last May without Donovan Mitchell was a major concern. To be able to win a championship this year, Mobley and Garland have to step up when needed.
For the two of them to deliver this performance without their star player and after a brutal five-game stretch should give fans even more hope about the Cavs' ability to bring the Larry O'Brien trophy back to Cleveland.
Related: Donovan Mitchell's Shocking Reaction to Cavs Losing Streak
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This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 5:40 PM.