All-Star Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavs will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder as the two teams with the best records in the NBA face-off at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Cavs’ Evan Mobley continues to make his All-Star case while the Thunder continue their 15-game winning streak. For Mitchell, it’s an ideal challenge.
He talked about it after practice on Tuesday, per Cavs’ sideline reporter Serena Winters.
“It’s going to be the ultimate test for us… Championships aren’t won today, but I think there’s a lot we can learn about ourselves.”
While the Thunder have an opportunity to capture 16 straight, the Cavs enter Wednesday’s matchup on a 10-game winning streak. Cleveland extended its streak into double digits in a 115-105 win over the Charlotte Hornets while beating 14 of its last 15 opponents.
At the same time, the Thunder defeated the champion Celtics 105-92 to extend their franchise-record winning streak. Oklahoma City has won 19 of its previous 20 games. The Cavs can make a statement with a win against the Thunder, proving themselves as the team to beat while securing the best record in the association.
Cavs Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland’s Evan Mobley All-Star case
David Richard-Imagn Images
Cavs All-Star Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland pleaded their strong All-Star case for Evan Mobley. His breakout season is a big reason the Cavs are dominating. Jarrett Allen says his chemistry with Mobley in the frontcourt has made all the difference in 2024-25.
In Mitchell’s eyes, Mobley ascended to becoming a star this season, per Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.
“He has taken that step,” Mitchell said. “Everyone has been asking, and he has taken that step. It’s beautiful to see. This is the worst that Evan is going to be, and it’s not too shabby. He’s an All-Star. He will be in San Francisco in February.”
Mitchell’s backcourt mate, Darius Garland, agrees.
“All-Star. Unicorn. All-Star, All-Star,” Garland said. “He’s taking us over the top right now. He deserves to be in San Francisco. Hopefully, he will be. I saw him when he first came in and he was just, like, here sometimes. Now, he has a plan, and you can see what’s going through his mind and how aggressive he is. Seeing it all unfold in front of us is really cool. I don’t even think he knows how good he is and how important he is to this team. But we all do.”
The Cavs will host the Thunder on Wednesday night.
