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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
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Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley make All-NBA Teams
Cleveland Cavaliers stars Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley were named to an All-NBA team on Friday evening. Mitchell made All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career. Mobley made All-NBA Second Team. It was the first time in Mobley's career that he made an All-NBA Team. This is the third time that two Cavaliers received All-NBA honors in the same season. The other two were Mark Price and Brad Daugherty in 1991-92 and LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in 2014-15. Advertisement Mitchell joined Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Jayson Tatum on All-NBA First Team. All-NBA Second Team was comprised of Mobley, Jalen Brunson, Steph Curry, Anthony Edwards, and James. Darius Garland received one vote for All-NBA Second Team and three votes for All-NBA Third Team, but missed out on making an All-NBA team by a wide margin. Mitchell and Mobley deserved these honors. This was Mitchell's most impressive regular season. He scaled his game back throughout the year to fit into Kenny Atkinson's egalitarian offense. This meant less playing time and a slightly lower usage than the year before. Advertisement That didn't affect Mitchell's counting stats too much. He finished the regular season averaging 24 points, five assists, and 4.5 rebounds on .443/.368/.823 shooting splits. Mitchell also became just the third Cavalier to make All-NBA First Team, joining LeBron James (eight times) and Mark Price (once). Mobley had by far the most successful year of his career. He'll leave the season having made his first All-Star Game, won his first Defensive Player of the Year, and made his first All-NBA team. This is on top of being named to the All-Defensive Team. As impressive as this year was from Mobley, he still has room to grow. He's shown that he has the skills to continue to expand his offensive game to another level. Mobley has the talent and work ethic to turn a weakness like his outside shooting into a strength. It'll be interesting to see what he adds to his game for next season. Advertisement Mobley finished the season averaging 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game on .557/370/.725 shooting splits. With the selection, Mobley became just the fifth Cavalier to receive an All-NBA honor. He joined James (10 times), Price (four times), Mitchell (three times), Daugherty (once), and Irving (once). More from
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cleveland Cavaliers' Evan Mobley wins 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
The Cavaliers have been advocating for it for several weeks, and it has now come to fruition: Evan Mobley has been named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year. Mobley was one of three finalists, along with Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors and Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks. Advertisement Mobley, in his fourth NBA season, averaged 1.6 blocks and 0.9 steals. The Cavs often pointed to his defensive value in ways the box scores wouldn't reflect, though, stating how often teams don't even try to challenge the 6-foot, 11-inch forward in the paint. "I think when people are scared to go against you, that gives you a lot of credit," said Cavs center Jarrett Allen, referencing how teams won't often challenge Mobley if they have any other choice. "It doesn't show up in the stats, but people are literally driving to the rim and turning around because they see Evan." Mobley is the first player in franchise history to win Defensive Player of the Year, and at 23 years and 299 days old at the end of the regular season, he's the fifth youngest to win the award in league history. Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley challenges a shot by Chicago Bulls forward Julian Phillips (15) on April 8, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. Donovan Mitchell makes case for Evan Mobley as NBA Defensive Player of the Year After the Cavs' Game 2 over the Miami Heat, All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell again advocated on behalf of Mobley to be named the NBA's top defensive player. Advertisement "He's done it all year in many different fashions. He's done it on guards, bigs, wings. He's our anchor down there, him and [Jarrett Allen]," Mitchell said. "And for him to be as young as he is, to understand angles, understand different things, help side being in different places, that's a talent in itself. I don't know what the numbers are. I really could care less because y'all saw when he didn't play this year, we lost games. So it's like you look at his impact to our group, and I've been telling y'all all year this is the worst he's going to be. "And if the worst is All-NBA and Defensive Player of the Year, we got something special, you know what I'm saying? This will be his first award. Next year, and first of many in my opinion, him and Victor [Wembanyama] will be battling it out for years. But, yeah, this is who he is." This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Evan Mobley wins NBA Defensive Player of the year for Cleveland Cavs
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cavaliers Game 5 recap, highlights as Cleveland's season ends
CLEVELAND — The 2024-25 Cavaliers had their season end at the exact same point of the NBA playoffs in which it concluded a year ago — Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Suffering a 4-1 defeat in a best-of-seven, second-round playoff series is a major disappointment for the top-seeded Cavs. Advertisement In a must-win Game 5, the Cavs lost 114-105 to the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, May 13, at Rocket Arena. Last year, the Cavs fell 4-1 to the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics in Round 2. Here is how Cavs versus Pacers unfolded through our updates: Cavs lose to Pacers 114-105 in Game 5 of Eastern Conference semifinals, ending Cleveland's season in the second round of the NBA playoffs Although the Cavs rallied to start the fourth quarter and cut their deficit to a point multiple times, the energy needed to charge back caught up with them, and they failed to finish the comeback. All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell missed three consecutive free throws with 1:49 left. He subsequently made a 3-pointer to cut the Cavs' deficit to 106-103 with 1:27 left. Advertisement Yet, the Pacers responded with an 8-2 run. Playing through a sprained ankle, Mitchell scored a game-high 35 points, followed by forward Evan Mobley with 24 points. Guard Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 31 points, followed by forward Pascal Siakam with 21. Cavs season ends: Cavaliers disappoint, underachieve in NBA playoffs and must adapt, evolve in offseason | Ulrich Cavs behind 104-97 with 2:38 left in the fourth quarter In need of a quick turnaround to save their season, the Cavs trailed 104- 97 with 2:38 left in the fourth quarter. After guard Donovan Mitchell made a 3-pointer to cut Cleveland's deficit to 98-97 with 5:03 left, guards Andrew Nembhard and Tyrese Haliburton produced a 3-pointer and a three-point play, respectively. The six points put Indiana ahead by seven points with 4:23 left. The Cavs trailed by the same deficit during a timeout with 2:38 remaining. Cavs rally to begin the fourth quarter and cut their deficit to 87-86 with 9:24 left vs. Pacers The Cavs came out swinging to begin the fourth quarter and went on a 10-2 run. Advertisement A 3-pointer and missed free throw by wing De'Andre Hunter led to an offensive rebound by forward Evan Mobley and a layup by point guard Darius Garland on an assist by Hunter. The sequence accounted for five Cleveland points and cut Indiana's lead to 87-86 with 9:24 remaining. The Pacers had led by nine points heading into the final quarter. Cavs, Pacers Game 5 score: Indiana leads by 9 entering fourth quarter After a dominant third quarter, the Pacers are taking an 85-76 lead into the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers have 12 minutes to overcome a nine-point deficit and save their playoff lives for another few days. Advertisement The Cavs offense had nothing going in that third quarter. Cleveland shot just 7-for-26 from the floor, while the Pacers shot better than 50 percent (14-for-22) and hit half their 3s. Again, it's beginning to look like the Pacers' speed and movement on offense is wearing down the Cavaliers. Ty Jerome hits two 3s; Pacers lead Cavs late in third quarter Ty Jerome has finally showed up in this series, and maybe just in the nick of time to give the Cavs some life. Jerome has been statistically almost unplayable through the first four games of this series. He didn't even play in the first half tonight. After checking in two minutes ago, Jerome has hit two 3s, making it an 80-71 Pacers lead with 1:06 left in the third quarter. Donovan Mitchell walks into tunnel, then returns; Pacers on 23-5 run Star guard Donovan Mitchell walked off the floor and down the tunnel toward the Cavaliers locker room with just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Just before then, he grimaced on the court. Advertisement Mitchell returned to the bench a minute or two later. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers offense has simply been stopped in its tracks. The Cavs are an ice-cold 3-for-20 from the floor in this third quarter, and the Pacers have used that to get their offense on the move a bit faster, which has led to a 23-5 run and a 75-65 Indiana lead. Pacers take lead over Cavs in third quarter of Game 5 The process of the Pacers slowly chipping away at the Cavaliers' double-digit lead is now complete, and Indiana leads Game 5, 65-64, with 7:04 left in the third quarter. Tyrese Haliburton is directing traffic beautifully and drained a key 3 to close the gap to two points. Pascal Siakam then corralled a loose ball the next time down the floor, turned around and buried a go-ahead 3-pointer. He already has six points in the quarter. Advertisement The Pacers are again driving the game with "force." And after Siakam's 3, Haliburton looked to the crowd and yelled. Donovan Mitchell had a moment that could be described as strange earlier in the quarter. He came away with a steal and had several steps on Myles Turner. As he neared the basket, Mitchell slowed his pace, and just went for a casual layup that allowed Turner to catch up and block him from behind. Mitchell has missed all three of his shot attempts in the third quarter thus far. LeBron James weighs in on Tyrese Haliburton, Cavs vs Pacers Game 5 Tyrese Haliburton was so scorching hot in that second quarter that he has the attention of the NBA world. That includes LeBron James, who posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, about Haliburton's run that has the Pacers within four points of the Cavs at halftime. Cavs lead Pacers 56-52 at halftime after Indiana spent most of the second quarter rallying The Cavs led the Pacers 56-52 at halftime, but Indiana had to be pleased with the way it ended the first half. Advertisement The Cavs led by 19 points when forward Evan Mobley made two free throws to give Cleveland a 44-25 lead with 8:10 left in the second quarter. For the remainder of the first half, the Pacers outscored the Cavs 27-12. Guard Tyrese Haliburton made three consecutive 3-pointers during the Pacers rally. He went 5-of-5 shooting on 3s in the second quarter, scoring 15 of his 17 first-half points. Guard Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 16 points in the first half, followed by Evan Mobley with 14. Pacers use 16-4 run to slice Cavs' lead to 48-41 with 4:36 left in the second quarter A 3-pointer by guard Tyrese Haliburton allowed the Pacers to cut their deficit to 48-41 with 4:37 left in the second quarter. The shot came amid a 16-4 run by the Pacers. Advertisement The Cavs had led by as many as 19 points in the second quarter. In Game 5 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers cut their deficit to 44-31 with back-to-back 3-pointers The Pacers were behind 44-31 after guard Tyrese Haliburton and forward Aaron Nesmith made 3-pointers with 7:55 and 7:02 left in the second quarter. The Cavs responded with a timeout. Haliburton hadn't made a field goal until 7:55 left in the second quarter. With 8:10 left in the second quarter, Pacers forward Obi Toppin picked up his third foul, matching Cavs small forward Max Strus, who was called for his third foul with 9:24 remaining in the first half. Cavs lead Pacers 42-25 with 8:22 left in the second quarter The Cavs led the Pacers 42-25 with 8:22 left in the second quarter, matching Cleveland's largest advantage of Game 5 thus far. Advertisement Cavs wing De'Andre Hunter scored the first five points of the second quarter with a fast-break layup and a 3-pointer. He added another layup with 8:43 left, giving the Cavs a 42-25 lead. After the Pacers turned the ball over with a low pass by guard Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana used a timeout with 8:22 remaining in the first half while trailing by 17 points. Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley both in double figures after first quarter of Game 5 vs Pacers Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley have dominated the ball for the Cavs on offense thus far, and Cleveland will take a 31-19 lead into the second quarter. Advertisement Mitchell has a game-high 13 points on 3-for-7 shooting from the floor. Again, he's getting into the paint almost whenever he wants, like in Game 2. Though there's a question of just how often he can take hard contact like that. Mobley has 10 points and four rebounds after the first quarter and has been put into ISO a few times against Myles Turner. At the end of the quarter, Isaac Okoro committed a pretty egregious mistake, somehow fouling Tyrese Haliburton as he attempted a half-court heave just before the buzzer. It resulted in a free two points for the Pacers, as Haliburton sank two of the three freebies. May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) during the first quarter of game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Cavaliers extend lead in Game 5 over Pacers; Donovan Mitchell OK after hard fall Jarrett Allen just came away with a quick steal and a few seconds later received a pass from Donovan Mitchell and threw down a reverse, two-handed dunk, and the Cavs have a 21-12 led with 2:59 left in the first quarter. Allen has six points and three rebounds. Advertisement A few possessions earlier, Mitchell went up for a dunk but couldn't complete it while being fouled. He hit the floor pretty hard but appears to be OK, aside from the frustration of not finishing the dunk. He has seven points. And after the Pacers hit everything in Game 4, they haven't looked nearly as comfortable and are just 5-for-17 to start Game 5, including 0-for-5 from 3-point range. Cavs fans booing Bennedict Mathurin in Game 5 vs Pacers The Cavliers fans at Rocket Arena are mercilessly booing Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin every time he touches the ball. Around the midpoint of the first quarter, Mathurin caught a pass, was booed, and pushed off of Darius Garland, resulting in an offensive foul call against him. The crowd went ballistic cheering the call. Cavs, Pacers Game 5 score: Cleveland takes early lead; Donovan Mitchell 1-for-4 to start The Cavs have taken an 11-8 lead nearly midway through the first quarter. Advertisement Evan Mobley has been active, already with six points and two rebounds inside the paint. Mobley scored the Cavs' first points in Game 4 but was then quiet the rest of the night, along with most of the Cavs lineup. Donovan Mitchell appears to be moving around as normal so far. He's 1-for-4 from the floor with three points. Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin, who was ejected from Game 4 due to his altercation with De'Andre Hunter, checked into the game to a chorus of boos from the Cleveland crowd. Hunter checked into the game at roughly the same time. May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) warms up before game five between the Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Cavaliers, Pacers score update in Game 5 It has been immediately evident that Game 5 is going to be a hard-fought, defensive, physical game, as both offenses are a bit slow, and every possession has been slowed down a bit. There's quite a bit of holding, grabbing and shouldering going on. Advertisement With just under eight minutes to go in the first quarter, the Pacers are up 6-4. There hasn't been much scoring yet. And Rocket Arena is extremely loud. Cleveland is already gaining a reputation as one of the loudest NBA playoff venues, but just about every play early in the first quarter has had the feel of a late-fourth-quarter game winner. The energy in the arena already has a sense of urgency to it. Below is some pregame information. Cavs injury report today. Will Donovan Mitchell play in Game 5? The Cavs made it official about 25 minutes before tip-off that All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell was available and would start Game 5. Mitchell missed the second half of Game 4 with a left ankle sprain. Advertisement On Monday, May 12, ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania reported Mitchell was "expected to be a game-time decision" for Game 5. Though, while the team received good news surrounding Mitchell, the Cavs will be without guard Sam Merrill, who is sidelined with a neck strain. That could test the Cavs' depth at guard considering Ty Jerome has had a pretty brutal series. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends during Game 4 of a second-round playoff series May 11, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Donovan Mitchell takes part in Cavs Game 5 shootaround Donovan Mitchell participated in shootaround at Cleveland Clinic Courts roughly 8 hours before Game 5. 'We don't know anything about Donovan," Cavs All-Star point guard Darius Garland said at shootaround. "It's a game-time decision at this point, so I'll see the same time y'all see.' Pacers injury report today The Pacers ruled out forward Isaiah Jackson (right Achilles tendon tear). How to watch Cavs game tonight: TV channel, streaming, radio info for Game 5 vs. Pacers Game 5 can be watched nationally on TNT. It can be heard on the radio via WMMS (100.7-FM) and WTAM (1100). Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley, left, is defended by Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin during Game 4 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series May 11, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pacers vs. Cavs last game The Cavs were crushed in a wire-to-wire Game 4 loss. They trailed 80-39 at halftime. The 41-point margin tied the largest halftime differential in NBA playoff history. Advertisement The Cavs were a mess on offense, losing the turnover battle 22-10, and torched on defense, with the Pacers shooting 52.7% (49 of 93) from the field, including 42.9% (15 of 35) on 3-pointers. The 3-2 zone Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson deployed so well in Game 3 proved to be vulnerable with the Pacers attacking the middle of the defense. The Cavs never led. They scored a season-low 39 points in the first half, and the 20-point loss matched their largest margin of defeat this season. Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) challenges a shot by Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith during Game 4 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series May 11, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. What is the playoff history between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers? In the playoffs, the Cavs are 10-9 against the Pacers. The record includes Cleveland's losses in Game 1 and Game 2, its win in Game 3 and its defeat in Game 4 this year. Advertisement Here is a breakdown of the previous three series the two teams have shared: 2018 : LeBron James and the Cavs got past the Pacers in the first round, but it took seven games. The Cavs ultimately were swept 4-0 by the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. 2017 : Coming off Cleveland's 2016 NBA title and led by James, the Cavs swept the Pacers 4-0 in the first round. The Cavs eventually lost 4-1 to the Warriors in the NBA Finals. 1998: The Cavs fell 3-1 to the Pacers in Round 1. The Pacers were eventually eliminated by the Chicago Bulls in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Michael Jordan and the Bulls then beat the Utah Jazz 4-2 in the NBA Finals. Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoves Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter during an altercation involving the Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin during Game 4 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series May 11, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Cavs playoff schedule: Eastern Conference semifinals vs. Pacers Game 1: Pacers 121, Cavs 112 | Recap | Column | Story Game 2: Pacers 120, Cavs 119 | Recap | Column | Story Game 3: Cavs 126, Pacers 104 | Recap | Column | Story Game 4: Pacers 129, Cavs 109 | Recap | Column | Story Game 5: Pacers at Cavs — 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, TNT Game 6: Cavs at Pacers — time TBD, Thursday, May 15 (if necessary), ESPN Game 7: Pacers at Cavs — time TBD, Sunday, May 18 (if necessary), TV TBD Cavs playoffs: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers Game 4 instant reaction in Eastern Conference semifinals NBA playoff bracket: Eastern Conference first round NBA playoff bracket: Eastern Conference second round No. 1 seed Cavaliers vs. No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers (Cleveland trails series 3-1) No. 2 seed Boston Celtics vs. No. 3 seed New York Knicks (New York leads series 3-1) This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs score tonight, Game 5 recap; Pacers end Cavaliers' season
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Another surreal moment': Evan Mobley, Cavs celebrate win for Defensive Player of the Year
MIAMI — Evan Mobley, Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson, Donovan Mitchell, a few other teammates and some team personnel all crowded into a room in Miami a few minutes before the announcement. There wasn't much time to settle in, but it was enough. There won't be too much time to celebrate, either, as the Cavaliers are preparing for Game 3 Saturday, April 26, against the Miami Heat. The Cavs opened up a 2-0 series lead in Cleveland. Advertisement But Mobley and the Cavs were given the moment for which they had been waiting, and all gathered in a large room in Miami where they watched the announcement he had been named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year. "It was great, we got in like two minutes, three minutes before the announcement went straight to the room and it was just like another surreal moment in my career," Mobley said. "Just hearing my name called like that, knowing I won the award finally and just my teammates being there with me, it felt great." In doing so, Mobley became the first player to win the award in franchise history and the fifth youngest in NBA history. Adidas, in celebration of Mobley's win, "blocked" all of the other 29 teams on social media. Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) passes around Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley during Game 2 of a first-round NBA playoff series April 23, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. Evan Mobley wins NBA DPOY before Cavs-Heat Game 3 Mobley doesn't often raise his voice on his own behalf. Teammates have had to basically drag him along and beg him to "talk his talk" during awards season. But, quietly, this is one accolade he had pinned as a major goal on the career checklist. Advertisement "It's like a dream come true," Mobley said. "I mean, you dream of this your whole life. At first it's just a dream to get to the NBA, and then it's a dream of playing real minutes in the NBA. Then it's a dream — just keep stacking on top of each other." In his fourth NBA season, Mobley's progression into what the Cavaliers knew was possible was a major factor in Cleveland securing the No. 1 seed in the East. It's also the end result of some building blocks Mobley put into place over the summer to get to this point — and some league recognition. It helped Mobley evolve from, perhaps, a road block in the paint to more of a brick wall. "This year I got a trainer and we worked hard to build mass, build strength, and I feel like that really helped me throughout the season," Mobley said. "Now I'm feeling great for the postseason, just gotta keep that up until the end." Advertisement Now it's back to business. "Next is a championship, actually," Mobley said when asked what was next for him. "That's the main focus right now. Back in playoff mode. Back trying to get another win tomorrow and continue this playoff run." This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: NBA awards: Cavs forward Evan Mobley wins Defensive Player of the Year
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley makes NBA All-Defensive Team for second time
Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley is the 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, so, of course, he's also on the All-Defensive First Team the league unveiled on Thursday, May 22. Drafted third overall by the Cavs in 2021, Mobley made the All-Defensive First Team for the second time in his career. The only other player in team history to make it multiple times is Akron native LeBron James. Advertisement The first time Mobley received the honor was for the 2022-23 season, when he also finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Injuries prevented him from playing enough games to be eligible in 2023-24. Evan Mobley news: Cleveland Cavs need their young star forward to be top player, not 'nonexistent' in playoffs Mobley, 23, also became a first-time All-Star selection in January. He's widely expected to receive a spot on an All-NBA team for the first time. "Evan's elevated his level to where he's an All-Star, All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year," Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman said May 19. "He has to take another jump. I say we go as Evan Mobley goes. I think everyone believes that, which is exciting 'cause he works, he's an incredible person, he has a great foundation with his family, he has a great belief from everyone here. Advertisement "If you don't believe a 23-year-old Evan Mobley is going to continue to make these jumps and leaps, then you're not studying it. You're not studying the evolution of great players." Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) contests a shot by Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during Game 3 of a second-round playoff series May 9, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. When will the 2024-25 All-NBA teams be announced? Mobley will soon learn whether he's an All-NBA player. The league is set to announce first-, second- and third-team All-NBA picks at 7 p.m. Friday, May 23, on TNT. Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell finishes fifth in MVP voting Mobley isn't the only Cavs player expected to land on an All-NBA team. Six-time All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell is a candidate to become first-team All-NBA for the first time in his career. Mitchell finished fifth in NBA Most Valuable Player voting, an indication he could crack the first team. Mitchell's only All-NBA honor so far was a second-team nod for the 2022-23 season. Injuries kept him from playing in enough games during the 2023-24 season to be eligible. Advertisement The Cavs haven't had a first-team All-NBA player since 2017-18, when James represented them for a fourth consecutive season. Aside from James, the Cavs haven't had a first-team All-NBA selection since legendary point guard Mark Price in 1992-93. Cavs news: 5 key decisions Cleveland Cavaliers must make during NBA offseason Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) drives to the basket as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) defends during Game 5 of a second-round playoff series May 13, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. Evan Mobley's stats Mobley took a major step on offense in his fourth NBA season, helping the Cavs go 64-18 to secure the Eastern Conference's No. 1 playoff seed. He played 71 games and averaged a career-high 18.5 points on 55.7% shooting from the field (37% on 3-pointers), 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.6 blocked shots and 30.5 minutes. Advertisement But Mobley's production dipped in the playoffs. He suffered a sprained ankle in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers and missed Game 2. He played in the other three games of the series, but the top-seeded Cavs were eliminated by the fourth-seeded Pacers in five games. In eight playoff games, Mobley averaged 17.1 points on 58.6% shooting from the floor (45.2% on 3s), 8.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 1 block and 32.1 minutes. He didn't attempt more than 13 field goals in any of the Cavs' second-round games. "In the playoffs, we need more," Altman said. "We need more than 13 field-goal attempts a game. That's new. That's new for Evan. There's another jump. ... We're going to see some internal growth there, and we think we have one of the best big men in the game in Evan Mobley." Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) celebrates his 3-pointer against the Miami Heat on April 20, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. Evan Mobley's successful case for NBA Defensive Player of the Year On April 24, Mobley became the first Cavs player in franchise history to win NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Advertisement In the 2024-25 regular season, Mobley was the only player in the league to compile at least 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, 60 steals and 100 blocks. He ranked fifth in the NBA in blocks per game, fifth in plus-minus rating (plus-546, which was best in the Eastern Conference), fifth in contested shots (10.4 average), 12th in field-goal percentage and 16th in rebounding average. Mobley's 34 multi-block games ranked fifth in the NBA. No other player in the league averaged more than 1.5 blocks and two fouls or fewer. The Cavs finished the regular season ranked eighth in defensive rating (111.8) and third in lowest opponent field-goal percentage allowed (45.4). Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@ On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich . This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Evan Mobley of Cavs makes NBA All-Defensive Team
