Upon receiving the basketball, Evan Mobley was decided to shut the door. Holding a three-point lead with a minute remaining, the 6-foot-11 middle showcased his offensive enhancements to a nationwide viewers when he drove by Isaiah Hartenstein’s play and lofted a floater over his scope that crossed the sting.
Mobley’s game-clinching basket was the icing on the cake of a dominant efficiency for the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ entrance space. Mobley completed with 21 factors, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Jarrett Allen completed with 25 factors, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. THE Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder misplaced to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 129-122.
Whereas Hartenstein had an admirable effort towards each, the seven-footer had foul bother attributable to his measurement and ability. He solely performed half-hour and dedicated 5 fouls. The Thunder’s lack of a wholesome backup middle has been uncovered.
As Chet Holmgren continues to examine bins throughout his lengthy restoration from a damaged hip, his absence was most vocal towards the Cavaliers. You recognize what would have been a terrific counter for Cleveland’s twin formation? OKC’s personal model.
The Thunder added Hartenstein within the offseason, dreaming of pairing him with Holmgren. The preseason previews have generated pleasure as a result of they match collectively completely. Sadly, a damaged Hartenstein hand and Holmgren damaged hip possible delayed their debut till after the All-Star break.
It has been two months since Holmgren suffered a hip fracture. Whereas the Thunder have but to provide an official replace on a return-to-play protocol now that it is within the 8-10 week window, touring with OKC on this four-game coastal highway journey East is unquestionably a optimistic signal. The 22 yr previous really gentle turning work additionally teases as an MCU post-credit scene for Thunder followers.
The Thunder’s career-best 15-game profitable streak helped Holmgren transfer into the highlight. However his absence was felt towards the Cavaliers. The Hartenstein-Holmgren duo ought to dominate most matchups. However the place they’ll make the largest impression is towards large, lanky frontcourts crammed with All-Star gamers just like the Cavaliers.
This text was initially printed on OKC Thunder Wire: OKC Thunder felt Chet Holmgren’s absence in loss to Cavaliers
