Eight wins in their last 12 games have given the Cleveland Cavaliers a much-needed boost into fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Cavaliers seek to continue that momentum Friday when the Sacramento Kings make their annual pilgrimage to northeast Ohio.
Point guard Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points and power forward Evan Mobley had 14 points and 14 rebounds on Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets, helping Cleveland build a 27-point lead en route to a 94-87 win.
The Cavaliers managed to win despite missing 32 of 40 3-point attempts and tying their season low in points. Coach Kenny Atkinson credited their starting lineup that included center Jarrett Allen, small forward Dean Wade and shooting guard Jaylon Tyson.
“We obviously put a defensive lineup out there to start, and I thought our defense made (the Hornets) uncomfortable,” Atkinson said. “Some of it is luck when teams miss shots, but I thought our pressure made them uncomfortable, which was the main reason for it.”
Mobley, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year, led the charge with three blocked shots and a steal. But it was his seldom-seen aggressiveness on the other end that made Charlotte pay. Mobley made 6-of-9 field-goal attempts within the arc.
“Evan’s downhill, straight-line physicality to the lane, that’s what we need from him,” Atkinson said. “He was elite the way he attacked. Sometimes Evan gets pushed sideline to sideline, but we need more of those power drives, those moves to the rim.”
Second-year pro Tyson continued his emergence with 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists, which has been critical with former All-Star point guard Darius Garland out until at least the start of February with a right toe sprain.
The Kings suffered three consecutive home losses before embarking on their six-game trip that starts against the Cavaliers. They fell 117-110 to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, 130-117 to the Miami Heat on Tuesday and 122-109 to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
Russell Westbrook averaged 22.7 points in the trio of games while two-way center Dylan Cardwell averaged 11.7 rebounds with seven blocks.
Cardwell went undrafted out of Auburn before signing a contract with Sacramento last summer. His 13 rebounds against Toronto were a career best that raised his average to 7.2 in 18 games, which would rank second among rookies if he had enough games to qualify.
“It’s a long season, so my New Year’s resolution is to be professional and stick to my routine every day,” Cardwell said with a chuckle. “My wife helps me, too, by taking away my phone when I need to get to sleep in order to stay on schedule.”
Sacramento owns the fourth-worst record in the league at 12-33. Only the Indiana Pacers boast a worst road mark than the Kings’ 3-17. With the trade deadline looming, questions about Westbrook’s status are increasing.
The Kings are making the most of his presence, honoring him at their last home game with an evening of video tributes. Westbrook has made a positive impact this season — his first in Sacramento — averaging 15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists.
“I’m extremely grateful for the Kings organization and how they appreciate the things I’ve done for the game,” he said. “And I’m grateful to be able to share this experience with the fans.”
