Ricky Rubio enjoyed perhaps the best game of his NBA career on Sunday in a win over the Knicks, racking up a career-high 37 points and eight 3-pointers to go along with 10 assists. After the game, however, the veteran Cavaliers point guard was eager to praise one of his young teammates, as Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com details.
“He’s special and he will be special,” Rubio said of rookie big man Evan Mobley. “We don’t even know how (high) his potential can be. … He’s really mature for his age. He knows how to play the game the right way. Scoring 26 points your first game in MSG is hard to do. We’re proud to have a teammate like him. It’s fun.”
While Mobley’s 26 points were a career high, he also contributed to the victory in several other ways, adding nine rebounds and five assists while anchoring the Cavs’ defense, writes Fedor. The 20-year-old was a plus-26 on the night.
Since LeBron James‘ exit from Cleveland in 2018, the team has sought a young star to build around, and Mobley is showing strong signs he’s capable of being that player.
“He’s earned our trust. We can depend on him,” Bickerstaff said. “How many 19- or 20-year-olds can you say that about?”
Here’s more on the Cavs:
- Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton exited Sunday’s game early due to a left knee injury and will be further evaluated on Monday to determine the severity of the injury, Fedor writes for Cleveland.com. A source tells Fedor that Sexton felt discomfort after bumping knees with teammate Jarrett Allen in the second quarter. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was unable to provide an update after the game.
- Darius Garland is exhibiting growth across the board early in his third NBA season, according to Kelsey Russo of The Athletic. Garland, who has posted career-best rates in APG (7.6), FG% (.476), and 3PT% (.440) so far, is still working on becoming a more vocal on-court leader and finding a balance between making plays for teammates and seeking out his own shot, Russo notes. Garland will be eligible for a rookie scale extension during the 2022 offseason.
- For more out of Cleveland, be sure to check out our Cavs team page.
Great game … Still think that NY should play more with last year back court guys than Fournier and Kemba who have to find their over all role
The Knicks’ defensive issues on the perimeter have been there from the start of the season and continue. Only the opponents’ names change. Congrats to Rubio, but last year he would have had his career game against another team.
The Allen/Mobley combination is even better than I’d thought it would be, or at least the resulting interior defense is better sooner than I expected. Very impressive. To date, that’s the best interior defense we’ve faced this year. Cavs have other issues, but if those 2 guys stay healthy, they are a playoff contender.
Health is for sure the key with the cavs. They have some surprising depth which is on display now with guys like Windler and Wade who likely won’t play much when okoro and love return. But if Garland, JA or Mobley go down for an extensive period, it’ll be tough for the young cavs. Even Rubio is critical to their success. They’re fun to watch that’s for sure
Of course you say that and then the Cavs just announce Sexton tore his Meniscus lol
Been trying to tell people that the Cavs are going to be a tough team, and even right now they are a cake walk for anyone.
They have a very solid mix of young guns and vets, and they play hungry. If they play their cards right, with some more internal growth, and one more solid free agency period, they will be fighting and clawing for a playoff spot year in and year out.
I honestly NEVER would have thought a few years ago, if someone where to ask me in 2021 who’s roster would I rather have the Cavs or the Celtics, that I’d pick Cleveland..
Man do I love this Cavs team!!
Cavs should go with Garland anyway. So now they can get a look at him with Mobley. MSG brings out the best in players lol. Cavs bigs killed Knicks. Cavs 48 reb to Knicks 32 reb. Mobley and Allen were too much. Somebody should trade for Allen. He’s a solid NBA center just starting to find his way.