The Cleveland Cavaliers’ recent surge has a lot to do with Evan Mobley’s emergence as a force on both ends of the floor.
While his defensive excellence has been a constant, it’s his growing offensive game that’s turning heads around the league.
Kenny Atkinson’s guidance has helped unlock new layers in Mobley’s skillset, making his development one of the most compelling storylines in Cleveland.
Stats Defender on X recently shed light on Mobley’s impressive offensive efficiency during the 2024-25 NBA season, particularly his ability to score under pressure.
When faced with tight defensive coverage of just 0-2 feet, Mobley has posted a remarkable 53.3% effective field goal percentage (EFG%), placing him tenth in the league.
Best EFG% On Very Tight Contest (0-2 Feet Space Between Shooter & Defender) In The 2024-25 NBA Regular Season (Min. 30 Total FGA) :
1. Goga Bitadze — 69.7%
2. Daniel Gafford — 68.8%
3. Domantas Sabonis — 63.3%
3. Victor Wembanyama — 63.3%
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo —… https://t.co/TgTHabt088 pic.twitter.com/CGQpEhVHQ9— Stat Defender (@statdefender) December 16, 2024
This statistic speaks volumes about his ability to convert shots even with defenders breathing down his neck.
The numbers tell only part of the story, though. Mobley’s transformation from a somewhat hesitant scorer to an assertive offensive threat has been remarkable to watch.
Gone are the days of timid play and inconsistent scoring, he’s now attacking with purpose, leveraging his size against smaller defenders, and confidently seeking out his spots on the floor.
Coming into the league, Mobley’s defensive potential was never in question. He had all the tools to be an elite defender, but his scoring ability needed time to develop.
Now, that patience is paying off as he blossoms into the two-way star the Cavaliers envisioned when they drafted him.
His continued growth has opponents scrambling to find answers, and if this upward trajectory holds, the Cavaliers are only going to become more formidable.
NEXT: Analyst Believes Cavs Will Have Notable Primetime Game Next Season
