Evan Mobley's crucial mistake for Cavs sums up the disappointment of his career

When Evan Mobley entered the NBA, it seemed like his potential was pretty much limitless.

Since then, his numbers have gotten better. His usage has gotten higher. The Cleveland Cavaliers have trusted him in bigger spots.

Yet somehow, the results haven't followed. Mobley hasn't asserted himself in the right ways. He hasn't shone brightest at the best times. 

Simply put, Mobley's tantalizing talent has been enough to get the Cavs close to their goals, but not all the way there.

There may never have been a more perfect example than Friday night.

Mobley hit the shot that gave the Cavaliers a late lead. He became the first Cavs player with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds in a playoff game since LeBron James in 2018, per ESPN.

But there he was, trying to preserve the lead, instead fumbling the basketball out of bounds.

It set up RJ Barrett's miraculous, bouncing 3-pointer to win the game.

Sure, Mobley may have been bumped a tad. But hold the ball, get the foul call, make free throws, end the series.

Don't grip it so loosely that it just flips away from you as soon as there's a bump in your back.

Evan Mobley with a CRUCIAL turnover for the Cavs! #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/agLLrIo9hz

That's Mobley in a nutshell.

He's so good, can have such a special night, and then can leave you wanting more.

It happens when he's got a smaller guy on him in the post and doesn't obliterate him with a dunk.

It happens when he passes up open 3-pointers because he's still not confident enough out there. 

It happens when his oft-impressive ball handling gets a little loose and prevents him from making a play.

Mobley is so good at basketball. But sometimes, he's not good enough for the Cavs to win, and that was the story of the closing moments on Friday night in Toronto.

MORE: Cavs' legacies, futures may have all changed on one bounce