Evan Mobley

Slightly unprepared for the celebratory Gatorade shower that accompanied December 7, 2024’s win, Evan Mobley, understandably, required a second or two to catch his breath during his postgame interview. Given the historic, long-range avalanche Cleveland’s fourth-year star had just put the Charlotte Hornets’ defense through, one could say it marked only the night’s second largest torrential downpour. Seemingly poised for history from the game’s first dribble, Mobley — tallied for an opening-quarter 23-point showcase by his lonesome — puts on the finishing touches by turning his teammate’s unselfish swing pass into a dagger-like catch-and-shoot triple. For a player boasting seldom-seen gifts, the night’s box score reflected something similar, as Mobley accumulated 41 points (on 16-of-23 shooting), 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, three blocks, and six 3-pointers. It made the Cleveland Cavaliers’ up-and-coming big man one of just two players to ever record such a statline while under the age of 25. Weeks later, Mobley would complement said excellence by becoming the KIA Defensive Player of the Month.