Evan Mobley proves that the Cavs can win now
"I think he’s gotten to a nice equilibrium where he’s aggressive to score, but can read the geography of the court.”
May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) dunks on Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) in the first half during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images DETROIT — Trading Darius Garland for James Harden was as much a bet on this current group as it was on Harden. Specifically, it was a gamble on Evan Mobley being good enough to handle postseason pressure right now, not in three or four years.
In Game 5, he showed that he was ready for the challenge. Mobley dominated the paint in the Cleveland Cavaliers ’ Game 5 victory over the Detroit Pistons , but they made him earn it. The new cut he sported near his left eye afterward was proof of that.
Defense has been Mobley’s calling card since he came into the league. That proved accurate again as he continually deterred shots at the rim down the stretch and overtime, while also outplaying opposing All-Star center Jalen Duren to the point that Pistons’ head coach J. B.
Bickerstaff decided to close with Paul Reed instead. Offensively, Mobley’s seven points to close the fourth quarter will get the headlines. He hit a clutch triple and two free throws to tie the game in regulation.
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