Jeff Teague calls out Evan Mobley after Cavs’ Game 1 loss

The Cavs struggled in Game 1. The spotlight didn’t stop with the usual names.

Cleveland dropped a 111-101 decision to Detroit to open the second round, with the offense never finding a rhythm. Much of the focus landed on Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, both of whom shot below their standards.

Former NBA guard Jeff Teague pointed elsewhere.

Speaking on the Club 520 podcast, the former NBA guard said Evan Mobley deserves more of that attention, especially given expectations tied to his role and contract.

“We always talk about James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, then Evan Mobley kinda just sneaks by everybody,” Teague said. “At some point… you’re on like a max deal, you’re supposed to have a 36-point night.”

That’s the conversation now.

Mobley has been steady. He hasn’t taken over. Through the playoffs, he’s contributed across the board, but the kind of breakout scoring nights some expected haven’t shown up.

There’s context to that. Mobley’s game has never been built around high-volume scoring. He impacts games defensively, moves the ball and plays within the system. That hasn’t changed in the postseason.

Still, the expectations are different now.

Cleveland is built to contend. When the primary options struggle, the next step is finding another source of offense. That’s where Mobley enters the discussion.

Game 2 will bring another chance. The Cavs need more across the board. Mobley is part of that equation.