[embedded content]
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley spoke after a 115-105 Game 2 win over the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena on Monday, where Cleveland took a 2-0 lead in the first-round series. Mobley discussed team defense, chemistry with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, and the impact of role players.
Mobley credited Dean Wade’s two-way presence and physicality, saying, “Honestly, just being physical and locked in on his assignment. Having a guy like that makes me and JA’s job a lot easier. He’s been doing incredible. It’s tough on Brandon Ingram every second of the game and we need that from him every single night. He’s been producing that these past two games.”
He also praised Jaylon Tyson’s energy in his playoff minutes, stating, “Yeah, it’s good. He’s not going to back down from anyone. He doesn’t care who he’s playing against. So he’s going to come out there with energy and play hard. I think tonight we needed that from him.”
On building chemistry with James Harden, Mobley explained, “It’s all three of those things. I think at first it was the film, seeing where he normally throws the ball and how he likes to come off pick and rolls and where he wants me to roll to. And from there it’s just reps after that in game and then in practice as well.”
Mobley emphasized the team’s focus despite outside narratives, saying, “Right now I’m just focused on winning. I’m not focused on any competition against who we’re going against the Raptors. So I’m trying to win every spot, every possession against whoever it is out there.”
He also described Harden’s leadership presence, stating, “He’s just a natural leader. I feel like everyone kind of looks up to him just because of all the things that he’s done in the NBA. He’s a Hall of Famer so automatically guys are just looking up to him and wanting to know information.”
Defensively, Mobley highlighted Cleveland’s approach to slowing Brandon Ingram, saying, “Dean Wade. He’s been doing great. That’s really it.” He later added, “He’s up there. We always put him usually on the best players and he always does a great job. He’s handsy, he has size, length and he’s able to move with the best of them. He’s definitely underrated defensively.”
On his own offensive evolution alongside Harden and Mitchell, Mobley said, “At the end of games like that we just try to get into our sets and get the best shots possible. Tonight Don and James had incredible shot making against crazy defenses and we’re going to need that some nights.”
Mobley also pointed to floor spacing as a key advantage, stating, “It’s very important especially down the stretch. You got to get into the right spacing, right spots, and know what the defense is trying to get at.”
On his shooting mindset, he added, “I’m confident in all shots, whether it’s a three, mid-range, whatever. Wherever is needed, I’m confident in it. And I’ve been working on it. So if they leave me open, I’m going to shoot it.”
Mobley also described Harden’s communication on a key late-game defensive sequence, saying, “Those plays are big time especially down the stretch. His communication of just talking while in the action is great and we need that.”
