Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points, Evan Mobley added 22 and a team-high eight rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers lost 119-111 to the New York Knicks to kick off the NBA season. The Cavs were without regular
rotation stalwarts Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, and Max Strus — and put themselves in position to win — but came up short in the fourth quarter. Here are some quick thoughts on the first game in what is a long NBA campaign.
Evan Mobley’s Offense
There was a lot of talk about how Mobley would evolve his offensive game, especially with Garland out of the starting lineup. The results one game in are promising.
Mobley had 22 points, on 8/17 shooting, including 4/7 from beyond the three-point arc. Those are good numbers on paper, but the eye-test is even more promising. The comfort-level exhibited by Mobley on not just the post moves and paint stuff, but on pull-up three-pointers, was very encouraging. The Cavs will need all of that and then some as they navigate life without Garland.
Point Guard Rotation
It is one game, but the Cavs usage of their ball handlers was interesting. Sam Merrill was solid in the starting backcourt to the tune of 19 points on 5/10 shooting from deep. However, the bench ball handlers left much to be desired. Lonzo Ball looked like a liability out there (1/7 shooting, four turnovers) and ended up playing 23 minutes. Craig Porter saw six minutes of court time, while rookie Tyrese Proctor had 16 minutes and scored five points while dishing out two assists.
The Cavs miss Garland, majorly. Ball did have six assists and four rebounds while playing his usual feisty defense, but the lack of shooting hurt. Dare I say Ty Jerome was also missed, majorly, from an offensive perspective.
Mitchell Eruption
The offense will continue to flow through Mitchell, and he nearly willed the Cavs to a win with a massive third quarter — scoring 21 of his 29 points. But he faded in the fourth quarter and left the game briefly toward the end of the fourth due to a leg injury (he eventually returned with around 90 seconds left).
Mitchell has a burden on his shoulders to carry the offense, there is no way around it. The offense will go where he goes, especially missing some key contributors. But he looked like his usual self, drilling long threes and getting to the paint with ease. Surely the onus on him to make things happen will be reduced slightly, perhaps as soon as this Friday against the Brooklyn Nets, when Hunter may return to the starting lineup.
