San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
CAVS’ MOBLEY GOES FOR 38
There have been flashes of brilliance from Evan Mobley, tantalizing moments that convinced the Cavaliers he’ll dominate.
On Saturday night, he put it all together.
Mobley scored a careerhigh 38 points, Darius Garland added 21 and Cleveland bounced back from an embarrassing loss with a 114-102 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, who were again without injured star Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee).
Mobley made sure the Cavs shook off their awful performance in a 120-114 loss a night earlier to the Golden State Warriors, who beat Cleveland despite resting Stephen Curry and three other starters.
Mobley, 21, finished 19 of 27 from the field and had his top scoring performance as a pro without making a free throw or 3-pointer. He added nine rebounds.
“That’s exactly what we want to see from (No.) 4,” Garland said, referring to Mobley’s jersey. “Him being aggressive. Him just finding his pocket and doing what he does best. I would love to see that every night.”
Mobley is only the fourth player since 1979, when the 3point line was adopted, to score at least 38 points without making a free throw or 3pointer. Hakeem Olajuwon, Alex English (twice) and George Gervin are the others.
Celtics 106, Raptors 104:
Grant Williams scored a career-high 25 points, Jaylen Brown had 27 and visiting Boston overcame the absence of leading scorer Jayson Tatum (wrist) to extend its winning streak to nine games.
Boston’s injury woes worsened when guard Marcus Smart injured his right ankle in the final minute of the first half and had to be helped to the locker room. He did not return.
Center Robert Williams stayed in the game after Brown collided with his left knee in the opening quarter. At halftime, Williams was ruled out for the second half because of a hyperextended knee.
Hornets 122, Hawks 118:
Terry Rozier hit three free throws with 1.1 seconds remaining, and undermanned Charlotte overcame a 19point, third-quarter deficit to end host Atlanta’s fivegame winning streak.
Clint Capela tipped in the miss of Trae Young’s missed runner with 5.4 seconds to go for Atlanta, but Rozier, who scored 16 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter, drew a foul from Jalen Johnson and buried the ensuing free throws to win it.
Wizards 138, Magic 118:
Rui Hachimura equaled a career high with 30 points and Kyle Kuzma added 25 to lift Washington over visiting Orlando.
Bradley Beal scored 17 points in his second game back from a hamstring injury, although Kristaps Porzingis left the game in the third quarter with a left ankle sprain.
Porzingis scored 17 points.
Timber wolves 113, Rockets 104: Anthony Edwards scored a season-high 44 points, D’angelo Russell added 23 and host Minnesota handed Houston its 13th straight loss. Edwards eclipsed 40 points for the first time this season on 17of-29 shooting from the field, including seven 3-pointers.
Suns 112, Pacers 107:
Josh Okogie scored 23 points off the bench and Mikal Bridges had 22 as host Phoenix held off Indiana.
Benedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 23.
76ers 129, Kings 127:
Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points and visiting Philadelphia held off Sacramento. De’aaron Fox led the Kings with 31 points.
Friday’s late results
Lakers 122, Grizzlies 121:
Dennis Schroeder completed a three-point play with 7.6 seconds after a steal and Los Angeles rallied to beat visiting Memphis, snapping the Grizzlies’ winning streak at 11.
Schroeder, who scored 19 points, stole the ball from Desmond Bane near halfcourt and made a layup to tie it at 120. Fouled by Bane, Schroeder made a free throw for the lead.
Russell Westbrook led the Lakers with 29 points and Lebron James added 23. Ja Morant led Memphis with 22 points.
Kings 118, Thunder 113:
Rookie Keegan Murray had season highs of 29 points and 14 rebounds, Domantas Sabonis added his fifth triple-double of the season and host Sacramento beat Oklahoma City for its sixth consecutive victory. Sabonis had 18 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds. Shai Gilgeousalexander scored 37 points for the Thunder.