Cleveland Cavaliers star Evan Mobley delivered a standout performance Monday against the Utah Jazz, finishing with a season-high 34 points and 17 rebounds – another sign of his impressive surge in the second half of the season, which he credits in part to a conversation with head coach Kenny Atkinson during the All-Star break.
Mobley was highly efficient, shooting 15-of-21 from the field while adding three blocks in the 122-113 win. All of his attempts came in the paint, including nine dunks and four layups.
Atkinson explained that he challenged Mobley to turn his All-Star snub into motivation.
“I told him to go home during All-Star break and work,” Atkinson said. “Like, ‘You’ve got to come out of All-Star break with a chip on your shoulder.’ Injuries. Whatever. Not a great start. Didn’t make the All-Star team. You should come out of All-Star with a chip on your shoulder to prove people wrong a little bit. That’s what he has done.”
Mobley said the message was clear and impactful.
“It was a simple conversation about using it as a chip on my shoulder and knowing the value that I bring to this team,” Mobley said. “This past month or so, I have been doing a good job of that and I’m going to continue to keep growing and take that into the playoffs.”
In 18 games since the break, Mobley is averaging 19.7 points on 62.2% shooting, along with 9.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. The Cavaliers have also outscored opponents by 6.9 points per 100 possessions with him on the court.
Atkinson also pointed to the impact of newly acquired guard James Harden, who ranks second on the team in assists leading to Mobley baskets since arriving in Cleveland about seven weeks ago.
“He’s gotta be one of the best bigs in the league since the All-Star break,” Atkinson said.
Evan Mobley Continuing Post-All-Star Surge After Being Challenged By Kenny Atkinson https://t.co/FSXvOgeXis
— RealGM (@RealGM) March 31, 2026
