Darius Garland shares three-word compliment for $11,227,657 co-star anchoring Cavaliers defense

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland is all-praise when it comes to big man Evan Mobley. This season, Mobley has been one of the biggest contributing factors to the Cavaliers' success.

With a career-high 19.0 points per game on 57.7% shooting (career-high 42.9% from downtown), to go along with 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, Mobley is a difference-maker on both ends of the floor.

Amid what has been a dominant year for the Cavs, which includes a 9-1 stretch over their last 10, Mobley has been integral to the team's success as they continue to lead the NBA. During an interview with Andscape, Darius Garland weighed in on Mobley's growth as a player.

“Now he’s mentally and physically stronger, and you can see it by the way he’s going through someone’s body or chest," Garland said.

Additionally, he summed up Mobley's play style with a three-word quip, saying:

“He’s no punk.”

Given his play and the Cavaliers' dominance as a team this season, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Mobley wind up making his first NBA All-Star appearance this year. Mobley earns $11,227,657 million this season. His designated rookie extension will take effect starting on 2025-26, earning him $224,238,150 over five years.

Darius Garland and the Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for a potential NBA finals preview against the Oklahoma City Thunder

Darius Garland and the Cleveland Cavaliers will collide with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the second time in the past 10 days. After picking up a win over the Thunder, who continue to lead the Western Conference, the Cavaliers will look to extend their regular season series lead tonight.

On Wednesday, the last time the two teams went head-to-head, Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen combined for 64 points, giving Cleveland a big win despite an off-night from Donovan Mitchell.

The win not only cemented the Cavaliers as potential championship favorites but also further made the case for Garland and Mobley to receive All-Star selections this year.

Since then, Oklahoma City has rattled off three straight wins, defeating the New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers ahead of Thursday's highly-anticipated rematch. On the flip side, since their previous victory over the Thunder, the Cavaliers have gone 2-1, picking up a win over the Toronto Raptors before going 1-1 against the Indiana Pacers.

With the showdown potentially being an NBA finals preview, all eyes will be on the two first-place teams when they collide in OKC.