NBA Roundup: Cavaliers press Evan Mobley for offensive growth; Mavericks shelve Dereck Lively II; Pacers see spark from Jarace Walker
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Cleveland, Dallas and Indianapolis — Three Eastern Conference stories took center stage Monday as the Cavaliers pushed Evan Mobley to expand his game, the Mavericks lost rookie center Dereck Lively II to another leg issue and the Pacers watched Jarace Walker deliver his best night as a pro.
Cavaliers keep waiting on Mobley’s offensive leap
Mobley’s defensive reputation remains intact, but the fourth-year forward again offered little scoring punch in Cleveland’s 112-104 defeat to the Toronto Raptors on Monday. He took just seven shots and failed to leave a noticeable mark at the offensive end.
Team officials had hoped Year 4 would see the 23-year-old “force the issue” with a larger shot diet and a consistent two-way presence, according to Cleveland.com. With guard Darius Garland only recently back from injury and the rotation still in flux, the organization plans to keep urging Mobley to look for his own offense.
Mavericks rule Lively out with right foot swelling
Dallas will begin a three-game road swing without Lively, who is experiencing swelling and discomfort in the right foot that underwent surgery in July, the club announced. The 7-foot-1 center will be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days.
Concern in the organization is “real,” reported The Stein Line, after Lively already missed nine games with a right knee sprain and has been on a minutes restriction when available. The third-year big man has averaged 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 16.4 minutes over seven appearances.
The lone encouraging update in Dallas: forward Anthony Davis, sidelined 14 straight contests by a calf strain, is expected to practice Wednesday.
Pacer rookie Walker posts career high
Walker may have taken a step forward in Indiana’s 133-111 victory at Detroit. The 2023 lottery pick, who shot 30.7 percent through his first 16 games, scored a career-best 21 points while going 8-for-10 from the field.
Veteran forward Pascal Siakam credited Walker for keeping things simple. “I think I can count the number of dribbles he had,” Siakam said. “Make the right play. If you’re open, let it fly. If you don’t have it, keep moving it.”
Whether the performance marks a turning point remains to be seen, but it stands as the most promising showing yet for the 20-year-old forward.
Source: Hoops Wire
