When it comes to the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year Award, Evan Mobley will represent the Cleveland Cavaliers as one of the finalists.
The league revealed their finalists for the regular season awards on Sunday, the second official day of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. There it showed Mobley in the running for Defensive Player of the Year while head coach Kenny Atkinson is one of the finalists for Coach of the Year.
The two players Mobley has himself competing with for the award are Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors and Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks.
Mobley appeared in 71 games throughout the regular season, averaging 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. He shot 55.7% from the field, including 37% from beyond the arc.
How Evan Mobley, Cavs played against Heat
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It was huge recognition for Evan Mobley to earn from the league, especially as the Cavs approached their series opener against the Miami Heat.
Safe to say that the Cavs took care of business against their visitors, winning 121-100 in Game 1. The hosts shot efficiently, making 51% of their total attempts, while forcing 14 turnovers from Miami’s end.
The Heat kept the game relatively close entering the fourth quarter, only being down 87-79. However, Cleveland set themselves apart by scoring 34 points in the last 12 minutes, securing the win in convincing fashion.
Four players scored in double-digits on Cleveland’s behalf. Donovan Mitchell shined with a stat line of 30 points, five rebounds and four assists. He shot 11-of-19 from the field, including 2-of-9 from beyond the arc, and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line. Ty Jerome came next with 28 points and five rebounds, Darius Garland put up 27 points and five assists, while Jarrett Allen provided 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Cavs will look to take a 2-0 series lead when they host the Heat in Game 2. The contest will take place on April 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
