Kevin Love: Evan Mobley ‘was Evan Mobley’ in return from protocol

Mobley returned from a four-game absence and looked to show minimal rust in a loss to the Pelicans.

Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley on Tuesday returned from a four-game absence in the NBA’s health and safety protocol and looked to show minimal rust in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Mobley, who was cleared to return on Tuesday, produced 22 points and seven rebounds during the 108-104 loss on the road. He converted on 9-of-12 shot attempts from the field in 30 minutes of work as the Cavaliers have lost two of their last three games.

The third pick entered the health and safety protocol on Dec. 18 and was one of several players sidelined due to issues related to the coronavirus. Cavaliers forward Kevin Love thought Mobley was great after missing 10 days of action.

It just shows you how talented he is that he can just step into any situation and be a great basketball player. He definitely did that tonight. He had 22 and seven in 30 minutes so it didn’t really seem like he missed a beat at all and that’s who we need him to be — incredibly efficient. He was Evan Mobley tonight so that’s what we want to see out of him.

Mobley did not experience many symptoms related to the coronavirus so he was able to continue to work out at his house. The Trail Blazers sent him some at-home workouts he could do and that enabled him to return with minimal rust.

He felt as though he played well in his first game back, despite the loss. The contest gave him the opportunity to work on his timing after missing four games but, overall, Mobley looked as though he picked up right where he left off.

Mobley has emerged as a front-runner for Rookie of the Year and showed precisely why on Tuesday. The Cavaliers have proven to be better with Mobley on the floor as things look to be on the rise with their cornerstone back in the lineup.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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