Cavs rookie Evan Mobley oozes talent in debut loss against the Grizzlies

Memphis spoils Evan Mobley debut in Cavs season opener

Number three overall pick Evan Mobley had a solid NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers, albeit in a close loss against the Memphis Grizzlies on the road. Pretty disappointing ending, with the Cavs fizzling out after mounting a late comeback attempt.

Failing to capitalize on several chances to take the lead towards the end of the match, the Cavs found themselves on the wrong end of a disappointing 132-121 finish, once again exposing the young squad’s ongoing struggle to find the composure to win close contests.

Despite that, there remained plenty of promise, with seven Cavaliers finished in double-figures in what became a pretty balanced offensive in a high-scoring shootout. Jarrett Allen led Cleveland in scoring with 25 points off 11-for-11 shooting from the field to go with three blocks and three steals in a nearly flawless outing.

But all eyes were on the Cavs rookie Mobley, who was no less amazing in his first official NBA regular season appearance, nearly tallying a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds while also adding six assists and a block and a steal.

Starting point guard Darius Garland struggled to find his shot early but still managed to tally a double-double after dishing 12 assists to go with 13 points, while backcourt partner Collin Sexton added 17.

The Cavs have plenty of fixing to do

On the other hand, the Cavs allowed Grizzlies star Ja Morant to drop 37 points on them, many of which came without having their best defensive wing player in Isaac Okoro hounding him. That was due in part to Okoro being relegated to the second unit after forward Lauri Markkanen started in his stead.

Speaking of the frontcourt, Cleveland also gave up 70 points in the shaded area. That is an embarrassingly high number of baskets for a team with multiple seven-footers who, in theory, should be able to adequately protect the rim and provide relief for the defensively challenged backcourt.

While scoring far north of a hundred is a welcome change for the young Cavaliers team, they also gave up well too many to a Memphis team that only averaged 113 points per game last season.

At least there is plenty of good to go with a bad, and it was an entertaining game that should keep Cavs fans interested.

Evan Mobley’s debut was far from sensational, after all, he had the worse +/- among all Cavalier players, but he showed enough promise to make us believe he has what it takes to be special. It will take time, but all signs point to his potential to become a generational talent.

The Cavaliers will now look to find a way to turn the tide despite a short turnaround as they return home to host the Charlotte Hornets at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on the 22nd.