The Cleveland Cavaliers have won the 2023 NBA Summer League Championship! The Cavs were dominant throughout the 11-day tournament going an impressive 6-0. With a big win over the Houston Rockets, the Cavaliers have won their first Summer League titles with a final score of 99-78.
“It was incredible. Amazing group of guys here,” said Summer League coach Mike Gerrity. “We preached to be the most selfless and competitive team on the floor every night. These guys carried it out. They played for each other and when you do that, great things happen.” as reported by Cleveland.com.
Cleveland’s Big 3
Cleveland was led by the impressive trio of Isaiah Mobley, Sam Merrill, and rookie Emoni Bates; the Cavaliers did not have a first-round pick on the roster. Behind the big performance from Mobley the Cavs never trailed and had a 20-point lead multiple times. Isaiah Mobley, younger brother of Evan Mobley, was excluded from the NBA’s All-Summer League teams, He seemed to take that personally as he went for 28 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. All of that on a 12 of 20 night from the field.
Mobley also had two steals and two blocks. Isaiah went home with the most important goal of any sports team, a championship. Mobley also won the championship game MVP award. He also became the only Cavalier with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds in a summer league game.
“I try to not worry about stuff I can’t control. Did I agree with that? No. But it is what it is,” Mobley said when asked about being snubbed from the all-tournament team. “I will take the championship over that all day.”
Steal Of The Draft
Of course, we can not forget Emoni Bates. Bates, the 49th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft made All-Summer League second team and finished the championship game with 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Showing why many are calling him the steal of the draft, Bates scored in double-figures in every game. He also was able to show off his defense capabilities with a few impressive blocks and steals.
It is clear that the Cleveland Cavaliers will have plenty of options when looking to call players up from the G-League. Mobley, Merrill, and Bates could give a big boost off the bench for the Cavaliers. Will they get their shots this season? Only time will tell, but for now, they will have to focus on improving their game even more.
Image Credits: YouTube.com/ClevelandCavaliers.