The Cavs need to check several boxes to meet their expectations during the 2025 NBA playoffs. Two atop the list involve Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley.

Since then, Cleveland Cavaliers star Evan Mobley and Atlanta Hawks defensive wizard Dyson Daniels have been in a heated battle for the award. Everyone who has been tuned into the NBA over the past decade or so knows that Defensive Player of the Year disproportionately favors big men because of their gaudy block numbers that smaller guards and forwards can’t produce.

Mitchell had no words as he reacted to the NBA's big announcement. The 6-foot-3 combo guard flexed Mobley's massive feat by posting three trophy emojis on X. Cavs guard Darius Garland was also one of the first to react to the big news.