Mobley, Allen Shine as Cavs Win Third Straight, Defeat Magic 103-92

Cavs starting 5

The Cleveland Cavaliers (2-1) hosted the winless Orlando Magic (0-4) last night in Cleveland. After huge performances from Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, the Cavs emerged victorious 103-92 and improve to 3-1 on the season. While Darius Garland remained out with an eye injury he sustained against Toronto, the Cavs’ starting lineup consisted of Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. 

First Half

The Cavs found early success from behind the arc to start the game, beginning with Caris LeVert finding a wide open Dean Wade for a corner three. Coming into this game, the Cavs led the league in team 3-point percentage with 44.3%, and were 5th in the league in FG% with 49.0%. Although the Cavs struggled early from the floor and missed some easy points in the paint, two more threes from LeVert and Donovan Mitchell provided them with a spark of offense. Their ability to draw the defense away and find the open man proved successful early on in the game.

 

Make way for JA.

📺 #CavsMagic on @BallySportsCLE pic.twitter.com/wf989PcNOh

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 26, 2022

 

 

Eventually the Cavs found their rhythm on offense, getting Jarrett Allen involved with a vicious slam that resulted in an and-1. Enter Cedi Osman, who has been spectacular off the Cavs bench to start the season. He picked up right where he left off with a driving layup followed by a triple off a dish from Mitchell. Osman had become just the third player in franchise history with three consecutive games of 15+ points off the bench to start the season. He finished the night with 14 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in 31 minutes.

 

#Cavs Cedi Osman with his fourth straight double figure scoring game to open the season.

— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) October 26, 2022

 

Second Quarter

The Magic were able to keep it a close score as the Cavs’ defense began to falter in the second quarter, allowing easy points in the paint and getting into early foul trouble. While the Cavs were able to maintain their lead for most of the second quarter, an 11-0 run by the Magic put them up 50-46 with just under two minutes to go. After a bucket by Jarrett Allen to snap the Magic’s run, Wade followed with a triple. LeVert was sent to the free throw line where he made one of two.

 

 

With 30 seconds left in the first half, Donovan Mitchell showed off his hops with an absolutely FEROCIOUS slam that closed the first half on an 8-0 Cavs run, leading the Magic 54-50. Mitchell struggled with his shot throughout the game, but was instrumental in his passing game and rebounding. He finished with 14 points on 5-of-19 shooting, four rebounds and eight assists in 37 minutes.

 

Watching this during our halftime break. 🫣@spidadmitchell | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/sADjz61lM2

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 27, 2022

 

Third Quarter

The Cavs made the necessary defensive adjustments at the half as the Magic opened the third quarter missing 7 of their first 8 shot attempts. The Cavs also did a much better job forcing turnovers and building up their lead. 

 

On the offensive side, the second half belonged to “Tower City”– the frontcourt duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. The two big men combined for 14 of the Cavs’ 19 points in the third quarter alone. Watch this monster slam from Allen over Orlando’s 7’2” Bol Bol. 

 

Jarrett Allen on Bol Bol's head😤 pic.twitter.com/gUe5OoFAY6

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 27, 2022

 

 

Jarrett Allen showed precisely why he was an All-Star last season. He finished with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting, 16 rebounds (including 7 offensive boards), and one block. Allen is now averaging a double-double on the season while shooting 55.6%. 

 

“J.B. came and challenged us in the locker room, and then I just wanted to take that challenge and come out and compete,” said Allen when asked about coming out with a vengeance in the second half. 

 

Prior to last night’s game, Cavs’ head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said that he wanted to get Evan Mobley more involved on offense. Tonight, Mobley finished with a team-high 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting, three rebounds and three assists. 

 

“In the second half, I was just looking to attack. I was ready to get the ball,” said Mobley in the postgame press conference. Perhaps his most impressive shot of the night came in the form of an 14-foot fadeaway jumper over Bol Bol. If he can continually knock down his jumpers and get even more confident in his shot, he will be another lethal offensive weapon. Coupled with his elite defensive ability, the ceiling is very, very high for him this season. 

 

Step back 2️⃣ #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/24Vi3YypFd

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 27, 2022

 

The Cavs will travel to Boston to take on the Celtics on Friday, October 28th. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased through SeatGeek.