Cleveland

Cavaliers

Mobley had a monster performance on Monday to help the Cavaliers record a second straight victory. He mixed things up on offense by showcasing his skill to score the ball both inside and outside the arc, and also finished as one of Cleveland’s top passers. But arguably his biggest impact came on defense. Mobley totaled eight stocks in his 39 minutes, completely controlling the interior on the defensive end of the floor. He was sensational in Game 4 and will have a chance to put together back-to-back strong performances in Game 5.

All five of Harden’s field goals came from beyond the arc on Monday, with nearly double-digit free throws filling the remainder of his scoring total. He also contributed double-digit assists for only the second time this postseason, while tying a playoff-low in assists in the process. The former league MVP is still struggling with his shot, but if he can put in more performances like Monday’s, Cleveland could find itself in great spots the rest of the way.

The veteran shooting guard put on a show in Monday’s victory, doing nearly all of his damage after halftime to help even the series at two games apiece. Mitchell had logged just four points on 1-of-8 shooting in the first half, which factored into Cleveland’s four-point deficit at that time. But he got going in the second half and followed a 21-point third period with 18 more in the final frame to bring the Cavaliers the victory. Mitchell now ranks second in Cavaliers history for most 40-point playoff games, with his four total trailing just LeBron James’s 24.

Bryant’s availability adds more frontcourt depth for the Cavaliers ahead of Game 4. The veteran center has only logged 35 total minutes this postseason across four games, totaling seven points and three rebounds. Cleveland will try to even the series up before heading to Detroit for Game 5.

Bryant is dealing with low back spasms that may keep him out of Monday’s home game against Detroit. The backup big man has logged only 25 total minutes this postseason, so his availability won’t have much of an impact on Cleveland’s rotation.

James Harden wasn’t the only Cavaliers star heavily criticized for his play in the first two games of this series. After a decent showing in Game 1, the Cavaliers forward/center grabbed just one rebound in Game 2. While Mobley didn’t have the best afternoon scoring-wise, he was far more active defensively and on the boards. Jarrett Allen supplied the offense, tallying 18 points along with four rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocked shots. Cleveland will look to even the series at two games apiece with a win in Game 4 on Monday.

Much-maligned for his play in the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Harden stepped up when the Cavaliers needed him most in Game 3. The Beard scored seven of his 19 points in the final 1:29 of Saturday’s victory, cutting the Pistons’ series lead in half. However, even with Harden’s late-game heroics, the Cavaliers need a more consistent version of him if they’re to win the series. Game 4 is on Monday night in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers are 5-0 this postseason.

Entering Saturday’s game in a 0-2 hole, the Cavaliers needed a win, and Mitchell led the way. After scoring 31 points in Game 2, Spida dropped an efficient 35 in Game 3 while recording his first points/rebounds postseason double-double since April 21, 2018. Mitchell’s production in this series has been consistent, one of the few Cavaliers who can make that claim. Despite others’ struggles, Mitchell and the Cavaliers can pull even in Game 4 on Monday night. Cleveland is now 5-0 at home in these playoffs.

Merrill missed Game 2 with a hamstring injury, but is available for Game 3 on Saturday. The 29-year-old shooting guard was held scoreless in seven minutes off the bench in Game 1. Max Strus will remain the Cavaliers’ preferred wing option off the bench.

Merrill did not play in Thursday’s Game 2 defeat after logging seven minutes in the series opener. As a result, the Cavaliers essentially went with an eight-man rotation, with Keon Ellis logging six minutes as the ninth man. Regardless of Merrill’s status, Max Strus should log the majority of the bench minutes on the wing.