Isaiah Mobley's Double-Double Helps Cavaliers Secure NBA Summer League Championship against Rockets

Cleveland Cavaliers win NBA Summer League championship with 99-78 victory.

The Cleveland Cavaliers emerged victorious in the NBA Summer League championship with a dominant 99-78 win over the Houston Rockets. Isaiah Mobley led the charge for the Cavaliers with an impressive performance, scoring 28 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. This victory marked the Cavaliers' first title since the Summer League adopted a tournament format in 2013. Despite not being selected to the all-tournament team, Mobley was named the game MVP.

Reflecting on his individual recognition, Mobley expressed his focus on controlling what he can and not worrying about things beyond his control. He acknowledged his disagreement with not being selected to the all-tournament team but emphasized that winning the championship was more important to him.

Sam Merrill also played a crucial role for the Cavaliers, contributing 27 points, including six 3-pointers, while Emoni Bates added 19 points. Nate Hinton led the scoring for the Rockets with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Cam Whitmore, Trevor Hudgins, and Fletcher Magee also reached double figures for the Rockets. Whitmore was named the tournament MVP.

Mobley, a second-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, showcased his skills throughout the Summer League, leading the Cavaliers to the title game with a standout performance in the semifinals against the Brooklyn Nets. Merrill, who was voted to the all-tournament team, has a history of success at the Thomas & Mack Center, as his game-winning 3-pointer secured the 2020 Mountain West tournament championship for Utah State.

The Cavaliers asserted their dominance early in the championship game, building a 17-4 lead. Although the Rockets mounted a comeback with a 19-4 run, cutting the deficit to 41-38, the Cavaliers responded by scoring the first 11 points of the second half to establish a commanding 62-44 lead. From that point on, the outcome of the game was never in doubt.

The all-tournament first team consisted of Cam Whitmore, Sam Merrill, Keyonte George, Orlando Robinson, and Hunter Tyson. The second team included Emoni Bates, Max Christie, Javon Freeman-Liberty, Xavier Moon, Jabari Smith Jr., and Jalen Wilson.

Overall, the Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their prowess in the NBA Summer League, capturing the championship title with a dominant display of skill and teamwork. Isaiah Mobley and Sam Merrill played pivotal roles in their success, while the Houston Rockets put up a valiant effort. The Summer League provided a platform for emerging talent to shine, and the all-tournament teams recognized the standout performances throughout the tournament.

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