Cavs showing why this version might be different

Some news, notes, and random thoughts on the Cavaliers after their first two playoff games against the Toronto Raptors…

This is the version of Evan Mobley the Cavs have been waiting on.

Not passive. Not floating. Attacking.

Mobley went for 25 points on 11-of-13 shooting in Game 2, and just as important, most of it came right at the rim. No settling. No overthinking. Just pressure.

That is where he changes everything. When he plays like that, the Cavs are tough to deal with. Toronto does not really have an answer, especially when it goes small.

Mobley and Scottie Barnes went at each other again. That matchup has some history. This time, Mobley clearly got the better of it.

The defense will always be there. The offense is what raises the ceiling.

Ingram Out of Rhythm

It has been a rough start to the series for Brandon Ingram.

Seven points in Game 2. Three-of-15 from the field. A handful of turnovers. Just never looked comfortable.

The Cavs deserve credit. They are crowding him, making everything difficult, forcing him into tough spots. At the same time, the urgency has not always been there. A missed contest here. A loose ball there. Those moments add up in the playoffs.

Toronto needs more. Simple as that. Without Immanuel Quickley, the margin gets even thinner.

Harden Move Pays

Games like this are exactly why the Cavs made the move for James Harden.

Size. Strength. Control.

Toronto tried Barnes on him. Good idea in theory. Barnes has length, can move. Did not matter. Harden just powered through it. That is the difference.

This is not a knock on Darius Garland. Different player. Different strengths. But in a series like this, where everything gets physical, Harden gives the Cavs a different look.

And when you add Donovan Mitchell and Mobley into that mix, it becomes a lot to handle.

The Cavs did not play a perfect game on Monday. The bench struggled. The rebounding was not great. There are things to clean up. 

Still, they are up 2-0. And the formula is starting to show.

More Cavaliers

• Cavs Notes: Mitchell, Harden, Strus, Wade
• Dribbles: Cavs handle Raptors’ rough stuff
• All Cavs coverage from Hoops Wire