Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley dominate the boards as Cavs snap OKC’s 15-game win streak

Danny Cunningham: #Cavs beat the Hornets 115-105 . They’ve now won 10 straight games and 14 of their last 15 to get to 31-4 on the season. Garland had 25, Mitchell & Allen had 19 and Mobley had 17. Next up is a potential NBA Finals preview against OKC on Wednesday night. -via Twitter @RealDCunningham / January 5, 2025

Atkinson admitted that sometimes Allen doesn’t get enough praise, even from the coaching staff. That shine often goes to Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Darius Garland — the higher-profile members of Cleveland’s celebrated Core 4. Allen isn’t bothered by it. A quirky plant dad, avid reader, pant tailor and cat lover, Allen prefers to be out of the spotlight. “I don’t feel like I really need people to pump me up,” Allen told cleveland.com. “I used to feel underappreciated. But the appreciation comes from the people who matter the most — everyone in this locker room.” -via Cleveland Plain Dealer / December 30, 2024

In some ways, that has come at the expense of Allen, who spends lengthy stretches on the bench, sometimes even late in games, out of the closing lineup, relegated to lead cheerleader while Mobley occupies the center spot as the Cavs utilize more of a space-heavy lineup with an additional shooter. It’s a different role that Allen has willingly accepted. “Evan has been amazing this year,” Allen said. “I have always wanted to push him forward no matter what. Whether it’s taking the toughest assignment on defense so he can shine and have more energy on offense or just being in the dunker spot so he can have more room. Whatever I have to do to make him the best player, so he can unlock this offense and unlock this team, I’m willing to do it.” -via Cleveland Plain Dealer / December 30, 2024

This year, there is no hesitation asking Evan Mobley to lead in transition and be involved more in half-court sets. He’s also taking his highest percentage of shots at the rim (49%) of his career, cutting down on floaters and showcasing a new level of aggressiveness on drives. “I just think you’ve tapped into a whole different type of basketball,” Cavaliers forward Georges Niang told ESPN. “Last year, Evan was going to the corner. Now, he’s top of the key, his usage rate is up and he’s punishing switches where you can’t just roll a guy onto him and have the paint crowded.” -via ESPN / January 8, 2025

This year, there is no hesitation asking Mobley to lead in transition and be involved more in half-court sets. He’s also taking his highest percentage of shots at the rim (49%) of his career, cutting down on floaters and showcasing a new level of aggressiveness on drives. “I just think you’ve tapped into a whole different type of basketball,” Cavaliers forward Georges Niang told ESPN. “Last year, Evan was going to the corner. Now, he’s top of the key, his usage rate is up and he’s punishing switches where you can’t just roll a guy onto him and have the paint crowded.” For Atkinson, the explanation is even simpler: “He’s starting to believe how good he is.” -via ESPN / January 8, 2025