Cavaliers Frontcourt Shines Against Raptors

Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley recorded double-doubles in the same game for the 22nd time since becoming Cleveland Cavaliers teammates.

Evan Mobley was sidelined at the beginning of December with a knee injury that required surgery to repair. Immediately after that, Jarrett Allen took off, refound his confidence, and broke the franchise record for consecutive double-doubles.

This strong play from JA made some question whether the two big men could coexist on this Cleveland Cavaliers team. 

The tandem proved in their win against Toronto that not only does this pairing work, but the two big men can thrive playing with one another. JA finished the game with 18 points and 15 rebounds while Mobley also scored 17 points and grabbed 11 boards. 

Feb 10, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown (11) tries to defend during the fourth quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports / © Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

This is now the fourth time this season that both players finished with a double-double in the same game. It's the 22nd time they've done this since becoming teammates during the 2021-22 season, per @CavsNotes on X.

The concerns about the two sharing the floor are valid. In the past, both Allen and Mobley have been paint-dominant bigs which has affected the Cavs floor-spacing at times. However, Mobley has demonstrated a newfound long-range shot since returning from his injury which has certainly helped with this.

In the win against the Raptors, Mobley shot 1-4 from behind the arc but his range is starting to attract the attention of opposing defenses giving more Allen to work down low. Adding this shot to Mobley's game will only help these two players together in the future. 

The Cavaliers certainly have several star players on their roster. However, the key to a deep playoff run for the Cavaliers starts with their frontcourt and everything is clicking for them right now.