The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t have their best defensive player on Saturday night.
Evan Mobley missed the game with the Minnesota Timberwolves because of a calf injury, which would pose major trouble against Julius Randle.
That’s why Georges Niang knew he had to step up.
The veteran forward had arguably his best game of the season.
He logged his second career double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, but he also made a major impact on the defensive end of the floor.
When asked about that, Niang claimed to take great pride in playing hard on defense (via FanDuel Sports Network Cleveland).
Yeah G-Wagon 🚗#LetEmKnow | @cavs pic.twitter.com/GsOYPE1Cqm
— FanDuel Sports Network Cleveland (@FanDuelSN_CLE) January 19, 2025
He also credited Cavs assistant coach DeMarre Carroll with helping him with the scouting report and giving him pointers, as he was also a defensive-minded wing during his playing days.
Niang also shot the ball pretty efficiently in the win.
He scored 15 points on just seven shots, going 5-of-7 from the floor and 3-of-4 from three-point territory.
The Cavaliers were also missing Isaac Okoro.
Kenny Atkinson rolled with Caris LeVert and Dean Wade in his and Mobley’s absence.
The bench had to give them quality minutes, especially on defense, and they answered the call.
It’s never easy to win on the road, and the Cavs were on the heels of the toughest loss of the season.
Now, they return home after going 2-1 on the three-game road trip, and they look more and more like a true NBA championship contender by the day.
NEXT: Kenny Atkinson Raved About Georges Niang After Win Over Timberwolves
