CleveLAnd Cavs Weekly is a weekly column about the Cleveland Cavaliers, written out of LA (hence “CleveLAnd”). Each Friday, games from the past week are highlighted along with one key player of the week and cap it off with a preview for next week.
The Cleveland Cavaliers went undefeated this week, besting the Sacramento Kings, the Orlando Magic twice and the Los Angeles Lakers. They’re now on a five-game win streak and have won 12 of their last 16 games. Despite winning results, Cavs fans are feeling mixed emotions after power forward — and reigning defensive player of the year — Evan Mobley went down with a calf strain after Monday’s win against the Orlando Magic.
Last Friday, Cleveland defended their home court in a 123-118 win against the Sacramento Kings. Mobley and superstar shooting guard Donovan Mitchell combined for 62 points, carrying the offensive load and leading the team to victory. While the game was closer than the Cavs would hope against a struggling Kings squad, Mobley’s aggressive 29-point, 13-rebound and seven-assist game electrified “The Land,” making his eventual injury all the more disappointing.
Saturday night in Orlando was the Cavs’ second night of a road back-to-back, or as some NBA fans call it, a scheduled loss. Despite all odds, the Cavs walked out of the Kia Center with a comfortable 119-105 win on the back of Mitchell’s 36 points and nine assists. Cleveland’s defense shined in this one, holding the Magic to 41% from the field and 28% from beyond the arc. Both teams then traveled back to Cleveland for their Monday night matchup in which the Cavaliers dominated, winning 114-98. Once again, Mitchell put the team on his back with a highly efficient 45-point explosion. In short, the Orlando Magic’s defense could not stop Mitchell and their offense could not keep up.
Wednesday night was an emotionally charged game with LeBron James returning to Cleveland. While the Cavaliers organization was kind to James, bringing him to tears with a tribute video, the Cavaliers roster was not. They blew out the Lakers 129-99, outscoring them 105-61 from the second quarter through the fourth. Small forward and rising star Jaylon Tyson was incredible with 20 points, six rebounds and six assists, yet he was talked about more for his postgame interview in which he referred to Cleveland as “Donovan Mitchell’s city now.” He later clarified that he only meant to hype up his teammate, not to tear down James, who he called one of the best players of all time.
Player of the week:
Reminder: Player of the week isn’t about overall impact, it’s meant to highlight a player who exceeded expectations and brought the Cavaliers quality of play up dramatically.
While he’s the Cavaliers’ most impactful player nearly every game, Mitchell was especially spectacular this week. He averaged 34.8 points per game on 49.5% from the field and 40.5% from three point range. With all-star point guard Darius Garland missing time with a toe injury, the Cavaliers have needed a heavy lift from Mitchell offensively, and he’s more than delivered.
Next week’s preview:
Last night, the Cavs lost 126-113 in Phoenix against the Suns. They will continue their west coast road trip taking on the Trail Blazers in Portland then the Clippers in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Despite losing to the Suns, the Cavaliers will be looking to ride their wave of momentum through another week and may be getting some much needed help back off the injury report. Combo guard Sam Merill returned to the lineup against the Suns, while Garland is hopeful to return on Sunday against the Clippers. Mobley and veteran guard/forward Max Strus, however, will be out for the foreseeable future, with neither likely to return before the All-Star break.