Chet Holmgren Outshines Evan Mobley in Thunder’s Victory

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In a stunning display of talent, Chet Holmgren led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a commanding victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, finishing the game with a decisive score of 136-104. This matchup on July 24, 2026, highlighted a growing disparity between the two young big men as Holmgren’s performance raised questions about Evan Mobley’s development within the Cavaliers’ system.

The latest episode of the **Wine and Gold Talk** podcast reflected on this painful comparison, with host Jimmy Watkins articulating what many Cavaliers fans have begun to feel. “Chet Holmgren, Evan Mobley, kind of the same deal here,” Watkins stated. “I think Chet Holmgren is the player that the Cavs hoped Evan Mobley would be right now.” He noted that Holmgren’s jump shot appears more reliable, while Mobley’s shooting struggles have become increasingly evident.

Holmgren, who is now 23, displayed an assertiveness that Mobley, aged 24, has yet to consistently demonstrate. As noted by podcast co-host Ethan Sands, Holmgren’s ability to step up when star players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are absent showcases a level of mental maturity and aggressiveness that has been lacking in Mobley’s game. “He has a different mental maturity that is allowing him to play with a different level of aggressiveness,” Sands emphasized.

This comparison is not merely statistical; it strikes at the essence of what separates good players from great ones in the NBA. Despite entering the league with high expectations as a potential franchise cornerstone, Mobley’s offensive game has remained inconsistent. Last season, he shot 37% from beyond the arc, a figure that now appears to be an outlier as he currently averages only 31% from three-point range this season.

The implications of Mobley’s struggles extend beyond his individual performance; they significantly impact the Cavaliers’ offensive structure. Sands pointed out the skepticism surrounding Mobley’s ability to function as an offensive focal point, particularly when he is not paired with established stars like Donovan Mitchell. “Kenny Atkinson is very skeptical when he goes away from a lineup that contains both Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley side by side at this point in the season,” Sands explained.

For Cavaliers fans, the contrast between Mobley and Holmgren is particularly painful. Holmgren is not just producing individual statistics; he is contributing to a championship-caliber team and demonstrating a confidence that seems to elude Mobley. As the season progresses, Holmgren’s role as a key contributor raises concerns about Mobley’s ability to develop into the player many envisioned when he was drafted third overall in 2021.

While it remains early in both players’ careers, the trajectory of their development presents a compelling narrative. Holmgren has quickly established himself as a vital asset on a winning team, capable of rising to the occasion in critical moments. In contrast, Mobley appears to be struggling to assert himself as more than a complementary piece, even in his third season.

The central question for Cavaliers fans and analysts is not merely whether Mobley can reach his potential but whether that potential was overestimated from the outset. Can the “warrior mentality” that Holmgren embodies be cultivated, or is it an intrinsic quality that distinguishes elite players from their peers?

For a more in-depth analysis of the Holmgren-Mobley comparison and its implications for the Cavaliers’ future, listeners can tune into the latest episode of the **Wine and Gold Talk** podcast, where the team’s cornerstone pieces are examined without reservation.