Evan Mobley impresses in Cavs annual Wine & Gold scrimmage

October 17, 2026

The Cleveland Cavaliers kicked off their preseason preparations with their annual Wine & Gold scrimmage at Public Auditorium, treating the event as a high-stakes dress rehearsal ahead of the season opener. The team split into two squads—Wine and Gold—with regular NBA referees officiating a 36-minute contest.

Gold emerged victorious in a 96–82 win, led by standout performances from James Harden and Evan Mobley, whose pick-and-roll chemistry proved unstoppable. Head coach Kenny Atkinson criticized Wine’s perimeter defense, which struggled to contain layups and paint finishes, despite Donovan Mitchell’s offensive contributions failing to close the gap.

While no official stats were recorded, Mobley was widely regarded as the top scorer, showcasing elite all-around play with aggressive drives and long-range shooting. Atkinson also praised Jaylon Tyson’s offensive output and noted Mitchell’s defensive shortcomings as part of the Wine unit.

The scrimmage also included a half-court shooting contest, where Atkinson became the unlikely winner after several players missed their attempts, earning fans $500 gift cards and adding a lighthearted moment to the morning’s focus on preparation.