CtB Trifecta: Cavs @ Knicks Part 2 (or, Where’s Mobley?)

Good evening CtB!

The Cavs were easily dispatched by the New York Knicks 109-91 last night in front of a nationally televised audience, a game that bore a familiar resemblance to the 4-1 beatdown of last year’s playoffs. The Cavs are in the heart of the Big Apple tonight for a back to back rematch that promises to be Nightmare on 4 Pennsylvania Plaza. How did we get here? Let’s figure it out…

1. Where’s Mobley?

The most alarming part of the brand new season is how ineffective Evan Mobley’s been for a supposed “future MVP” player. His scoring efficiency has plumeted (51% TS) and his passing is still not close to good enough for an offensive hub (14.3% assist percentage). He has the worst net rating (-12.4) by far among rotation players.. the next closest is Caris LeVert at -4.3.

There are signs of improvement, mainly his paint protection on defense and rebounding. But he and the Cavs’ coaching staff need to figure out how to get him into an offensive rhythm. If they don’t and DG and JA continue to be out for an extensive period of time, then the Cavs are staring down the barrel of a possible 1-9 start before facing the Portland Trail Blazers a few weeks from now. He’s the new “chosen one,” it’s time for him to show a more serious level of competitiveness, especially in a game where he specifically tried to hype it up:

2. The shooting still stinks

Max Strus, Georges Niang, and “James” Dean Wade are all crapping the bed from three. Thankfully it’s game five of the regular season, so there’s still time for improvement. It’s also an indication that the offense is completely out of sync: they don’t know when they’re getting their shots and they’re not ready to shoot when they do get the ball. Better passing from Mobley and Donovan Mitchell might be an antidote to their offensive struggles? Maybe they’re all cooked or too scared of the moment? They all better figure it out if they want to stop the losing streak.

3. Give me the Summer League Stars

Sam Merrill and Isaiah Mobley should be seeing the court this early in the year with this many injuries. Georges Niang clearly isn’t in playing shape yet and no one outside of Isaac Okoro can make a damn catch and shoot three. Hell let me see the whole Summer League starting lineup out there, they played with a competitive edge that has been non-existent so far this season. Shoutout to Nate for the good idea!

4. A quick word on the Knicks

The Knicks flat out humiliated the Cavs last night, and they didn’t even play all that well shooting only 44% from the field and collecting only 18 assists. They were able to beat the Cavs with good defense and mediocre isolation offense from the trio of Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, and Julius Randle. But they clearly play Cleveland with an edge, and the Cavs will have to learn how to beat them if they have any designs of actually being a good team.

Tip off is scheduled for 7:30PM Eastern time and will be broadcasted live on Bally Sports Ohio, Go Cavs!