Cleveland fans will always remember June 2016, when a team led by LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love brought the city its first NBA Championship, overcoming a 3-1 deficit to the Golden State Warriors.
Nearly eight years later, the Cavs have a whole new foundation that could bring another title to Cleveland.
The Cavs’ current stars — Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland — lead the charge. Each player brings a unique strength to the table, forming a dynamic trio with championship potential.
Donovan Mitchell: The Scoring Machine
Mitchell quickly established himself as the centerpiece of Cleveland’s offense after arriving in 2022. The five-time NBA All-Star averages 23.3 points per game and has proven to be one of the league’s biggest scoring threats, especially in the postseason. Nicknamed “Spida,” Mitchell is known for taking charge in games and thriving in crucial moments. His leadership, fearlessness, and relentless mentality are essential for the Cavs to contend for another title.
Friday’s matchup between the Cavaliers and Nuggets highlighted Mitchell’s fine-tuned scoring abilities. He finished with 33 points and seven assists on six of 12 from deep, showcasing his versatility by scoring from deep-range threes and attacking the rim. His relentless downhill attack opened the floor for a barrage of triples. Evan Mobley, Dean Wade, Caris LeVert, and Sam Merrill all made at least three triples.
Mitchell has also proven reliable in clutch situations. In a win over the Boston Celtics earlier this season, he scored 20 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, helping Cleveland prevail over the defending champions. Time and time again, Mitchell has shown up when the game matters most. Whether it be the 2023 Nuggets (Jamal Murray) or 2016 Cavs (Kyrie), almost every championship team has ha a guard that shines when the lights are the brightest. Spida is that guy.
Evan Mobley: The Defensive Anchor
At just 22 years old, Evan Mobley has already emerged as one of the NBA’s most promising young stars.
The power forward averages 18.4 points per game and has earned a reputation as an elite two-way player. Mobley’s ability to protect the rim, switch on pick-and-rolls, and lock down multiple positions has made him a top defender. He is THE key to any postseason success for Cleveland.
Mobley took on the challenge of defeating the 76ers on December 21. He drove down the court for a powerful dunk over KJ Martin and Andre Drummond, sparking a 9-0 run to open the second half.
Mobley doesn’t just have highlight reel plays—he’s the consistent lifeblood of the Cavs’ defense. He’s currently 7th in the NBA in contested shots with 282. He and co-defensive ancho Jarrett Allen are also both top-20 in the league in defensive rating. Between his absurd length, verticality, and timing, defenders always think twice before challenging Mobley around the rim.
Darius Garland: The Offensive Engine
Darius Garland is one of the brightest point guards in the NBA.
Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that Garland is just 24 because he makes plays well beyond his age. Known for his court vision and microwave-scoring ability, Garland is the engine that powers Cleveland’s offense. The way he moves sets up Mitchell and Mobley in the right spots, making them a dangerous group. He currently averages 20.3 points per game on career-high shooting splits— his field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and free throw percentage are all career-highs!
In Friday’s game against the Nuggets, Garland scored 25 points and dished seven assists, demonstrating his ability to adapt his game to matchups and flow. The Nuggets wanted to turn the game into a track meet, and Garland didn’t miss a beat. He embraced the pace and got the transition offense flowing.
Darius Garland has arguably been a top-25 player in the NBA this season. The Cavaliers have seen him return to his true form after he struggled with weight loss last year. With the effects of his jaw surgery behind him, the team feels confident that they have the best version of Garland in the lineup.
The team is poised to make a serious run at a championship in the coming years, with Mitchell, Mobley, Garland, and Allen leading the charge. Fans can look forward to a bright future, with 2025 standing as a potential target for another championship run.
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