Player of the Week

Evan Mobley (CLE) is our Player of the Week for the East Semifinals.

The Cavaliers entered the week trailing the top-seeded Pistons 2-2 in a series where no team had won by more than 10 points. Evan Mobley was the engine that kept Cleveland alive and eventually sent them to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018.

In Game 5 in Detroit, the Cavs trailed by 15 in the first half and were down nine with two minutes left. Mobley's clutch stretch closed the gap: he hit a three and knocked down two free throws to tie the game at 103 with 45 seconds remaining, forcing overtime. He finished with 19 points, 8 assists, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks in 43 minutes, his passing keeping Cleveland's offense functional when Mitchell struggled early. James Harden called Mobley's performance a confidence booster, praising his two-way versatility. "He can do a little bit of everything defensively and offensively," Harden said after the win.

Game 6 was a different story. Detroit's defense clamped down in the second half and pulled away for a 115-94 win. Mobley had 18 points and 6 rebounds but the Cavs never found their rhythm, with Cade Cunningham scoring 21 to force a decisive Game 7.

Back in Detroit for the decider, Cleveland left no doubt. Mobley opened the game with an alley-oop from Mitchell on the first possession, setting the tone for a 125-94 blowout. He posted 21 points and 12 rebounds alongside 6 assists and 2 blocks as four Cavaliers scored 20 or more. The Pistons never got closer than 17 after halftime. Coach Kenny Atkinson pointed to Cleveland's start as the key, and Mobley's rim protection and secondary playmaking were at the center of it.

Across three games, Mobley averaged 19.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.3 blocks on 51.4% shooting. His three-point shooting jumped to 41.7% for the week, well above his 29.7% season average. For a player whose offensive limitations remain a talking point, this was the most complete stretch of his playoff career. Cleveland now faces the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals starting Tuesday.