CLEVELAND -- The Cavaliers got back one of their best players. Another is on the way.

Power forward Evan Mobley returned from left knee surgery and played for the first time since early December on Monday night when Cleveland, which surged while missing two starters, defeated the LA Clippers 118-108.

Mobley had last played on Dec. 6 against Orlando. The 22-year-old had an arthroscopic procedure on Dec. 18 and is back on the court faster than expected. The Cavs initially said he could be out for up to two months.

Mobley credited a positive mindset for his quick recovery.

"I looked at it as an opportunity and just wanted to get back for the guys," he said. "I want to do what I can do to fit in."

Coach J.B. Bickerstaff said Mobley initially would be restricted to 20 to 24 minutes per game. He played 21 minutes Monday night, contributing 10 points, nine rebounds and a steal. He had some strong moments and a few in which he showed rust from his layoff. In the second quarter, he grabbed a rebound, dribbled the length of the floor and knifed through the Clippers' defense before dunking -- his first points since Dec. 6.

One of the NBA's premier interior defenders, the 6-foot-11 Mobley was averaging 16.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.7 blocks in 21 games before getting hurt. The former USC standout was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 draft.

Mobley's injury coincided with point guard Darius Garland breaking his jaw on Dec. 15 in Boston, but Cleveland unexpectedly thrived in the two starters' absence, going 14-4 without Mobley. Garland, who recently had the wiring removed from his jaw, is nearing a return.

"Extremely close," Bickerstaff said when asked about Garland's status. The Cavs host Detroit on Wednesday night.

Cleveland's offense changed while Mobley and Garland were out. The Cavs shot more 3-pointers, improved their ball movement and played at a higher tempo.

Bickerstaff didn't expect the Cavs to have any drop-off with Mobley back and said they were going to encourage him to shoot more from the perimeter.

"He's another trigger," Bickerstaff said. "He's a guy who you can put the ball in his hands and now you can continue to work two-sided actions. He's a selfless player. He's a guy who can defensive rebound and push the ball at the floor, which helps us initiate our break more quickly, put more pressure on the defense earlier in the clock, finding his spots offensively.

"We don't tell Evan Mobley no. There's very few guys on our team that we tell no. If their shots are there, take your shot. If the drive is there, drive the ball. If the pass is there, make the pass. We expect Evan to continue to get better and contribute and help us win games."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.