As the Cleveland Cavaliers surge through the Eastern Conference toward a top playoff seed, they have amassed numerous achievements and accolades.

Following a thrilling victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, the Cavs secured the first guaranteed postseason spot with an impressive 47-10 record. With 25 games remaining, they continue to raise the bar in the conference. Their dominance has already been recognized, with three players earning All-Star selections—six-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell, two-time All-Star Darius Garland, and first-time All-Star Evan Mobley all making the trip to San Francisco for the break.

Last season, the All-Star break marked a downturn for Cleveland, as injuries and illness—particularly Mitchell falling sick—derailed their playoff form. This time around, the Cavs have come back stronger, winning all three games since the break and extending their streak to seven straight victories.

With every player stepping up and a key trade at the deadline, Cleveland is emerging as a powerhouse in the NBA. As the regular season winds down, their dominance could translate into recognition in the end-of-season awards.

However, despite Cavs fans’ hopes, Mitchell is unlikely to be an MVP finalist. While he remains the team’s centerpiece, the contributions of Garland and others, along with coach Kenny Atkinson’s system reducing his minutes, have kept his stats below those of the leading MVP contenders.

Even so, if the season ended today, three Cavaliers would be strong candidates for individual awards.

Kenny Atkinson is undoubtedly Coach of the Year

The NBA Coach of the Year award isn’t just given to the coach of the best team—it often goes to someone who has exceeded expectations and elevated their roster beyond what was anticipated. That’s why former Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff is once again in the conversation, having revitalized the Detroit Pistons with key offseason additions.

Similarly, JJ Redick is a strong contender after turning a struggling Los Angeles Lakers squad into a dark horse Finals threat.

However, no coach has outperformed Kenny Atkinson this season. Not only has he taken the Cavaliers beyond any preseason predictions, but he has also transformed a largely unchanged roster into the best team in the league. Under Bickerstaff, Cleveland had a mediocre offense and struggled to maximize its bench. Atkinson changed that from day one, crafting the NBA’s top-ranked offense and getting significant contributions from both starters and reserves.

The Cavaliers opened the season with a franchise-record 15-game win streak—an achievement that alone warrants Atkinson’s place among the finalists. But more importantly, his strategic offensive sets and commitment to player development have turned Cleveland from a team reliant on one star into a powerhouse led by an All-Star trio.

Rival teams have started taking notes, trying to replicate Cleveland’s blueprint after years of assuming the core four would eventually be broken up—a notion even some Cavs fans believed. Atkinson has reshaped this team for the better and silenced all doubts in the process.

He’s the best coach in the NBA this season, and it’s not even close.

Evan Mobley must be the DPOY

Every analyst, fan, and awards voter recognizes that if Victor Wembanyama stays healthy, he’s likely to collect multiple Defensive Player of the Year trophies throughout his career. While the San Antonio Spurs still have a long way to go defensively, Wembanyama’s presence alone has kept them from being even worse.

However, a shocking and unfortunate announcement revealed that the French sensation will miss the rest of the season due to blood clots. With Wembanyama out, the DPOY race has opened up, with Evan Mobley and Jaren Jackson Jr. emerging as the top contenders.

Jackson, who won the award two seasons ago, is facing off against Mobley once again, but this time, Mobley is the clear choice. While their raw stats may seem comparable, Jackson’s inefficiency, struggles with rebounding, and persistent foul trouble make him a defensive liability at times.

Per 36 minutes, Jackson averages 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 4.2 fouls, while Mobley puts up 9.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and only 2.0 fouls—despite playing just 30 minutes per game. Mobley is outproducing Jackson with less playing time, and after a dominant showing against Memphis, where he outclassed Jackson on both ends, the debate should be settled.

Advanced metrics only reinforce Mobley’s case. Simply put, anything Jackson does defensively, Mobley does better. Unlike the Grizzlies, the Cavaliers don’t have to worry about their defensive anchor getting into foul trouble—Mobley averages just 0.67 fouls every 10 minutes, while Jackson racks up 1.17 in the same span. Jackson’s foul issues have been a consistent problem throughout his career, and with Mobley matching or surpassing his impact in fewer minutes and with far better discipline, the outcome of this race should be clear.

Evan Mobley is the rightful Defensive Player of the Year—bias or not.

Ty Jerome is the league’s best Sixth Man

After acquiring Sixth Man of the Year frontrunner De’Andre Hunter, the Cleveland Cavaliers may now have the league’s two best candidates for the award. However, since Hunter spent most of the season with the Atlanta Hawks and could soon transition into a starting role, Cleveland’s top contender remains Jerome.

At times, Jerome is the most electrifying player on the court. His fearless shooting, crafty floaters, and creative finishing give glimpses of the NBA’s elite guards. One moment, he resembles an off-brand Luka Dončić; the next, he channels a budget-version Stephen Curry, pulling up from ranges that would make most coaches cringe—especially from a bench player.

Watching Jerome play, it’s hard to explain how he makes it work. His jumper has a shot-put-like release, and his vertical leap is reminiscent of Shaquille O’Neal during his brief Cavaliers stint. Yet, when Jerome is locked in, every shot seems destined to drop.

Cleveland’s spark plug is delivering 11.7 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals in just 19.2 minutes per game. He’s hitting an elite 43.7% from deep on 3.5 attempts per game, making him not only a sharpshooter but also a defensive disruptor and a crucial piece in the Cavaliers’ championship puzzle.

Despite his impact, Jerome has slipped out of the media’s 6MOY discussions. However, finding a bench player more valuable to their team’s success is no easy task.

From a fan’s perspective, the Cavaliers seem to have a case for every award. Some might even argue that Jaylon Tyson deserves Rookie of the Year, especially given this draft class’s underwhelming performances. Beyond individual accolades, Cleveland’s All-Stars are performing at an All-NBA level, while both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen should be locks for All-Defensive teams.

As the season winds down, the Cavaliers deserve their recognition. And if the rest of the league isn’t paying attention yet, they better start—because Cleveland might not stop collecting trophies once June arrives.

Warriors forward Jimmy Butler isn’t your typical superstar. Instead, the 35-year-old quietly earns his $110.96 million over the next two seasons by making smart plays on both ends of the court rather than dominating with 30-point performances or flashy dunks.

His new coach, Steve Kerr, has already become a fan of the six-time NBA All-Star’s understated impact. Speaking on 95.7 The Game’s Willard & Dibs on Monday night, Kerr praised Butler’s reliability and admitted he’s been pleasantly surprised by the veteran’s influence during the Warriors’ impressive 5-1 start with him.

“Well, I think you have to really see him every day to appreciate his game because he’s not your traditional superstar who’s lighting it up from [3-point range] or wowing you with highlights; it’s really just the efficiency of his game,” Kerr told Mark Willard and Dan Dibley. “He’s incredibly sound fundamentally.

“He’s a great passer; he understands how to get to the foul line; he’s really, really strong; so, he gets people to have to guard him, and then it just creates a lot of opportunities for himself but also for his teammates. I love his passing. I just feel like every time he puts the ball on the floor and pivots and makes a pass, it’s not spectacular, but it just makes the game flow. And that’s exactly what this team needs.”

The Butler-in-the-Bay experiment has been a resounding success so far.

Averaging 20 points per game along with 9.2 free throw attempts, 5.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 31.7 minutes, Butler has seamlessly integrated into the Warriors’ system. His defensive intensity complements fellow two-way forward Draymond Green and rising Swiss Army knife Brandin Podziemski, while his 10.8 two-point shot attempts per game provide a balanced contrast to the team’s three-point-heavy offense led by Stephen Curry.

For Steve Kerr, the game plan when Butler is on the court is simple: trust the 14-year NBA veteran.

“We’ve always been at our best with high-IQ guys around Steph and Draymond, and that’s what I’m seeing with Jimmy,” Kerr told Willard and Dibley.

Golden State thrived during its dynasty by embracing a selfless, team-first mentality. Players like the recently honored Andre Iguodala exemplified this approach, willingly adapting to a supporting role despite joining the Warriors just two seasons after an All-Star appearance.

Steve Kerr has already noticed similarities between Butler and Iguodala, with the most striking being Butler’s all-around influence—not just in the win-loss column, but also in the team’s chemistry and energy both on and off the court.

“It starts with the X’s and O’s, not in terms of schemes, but just in terms of great players making the game easier on everybody else. And that’s what Jimmy is doing right now,” Kerr told Willard and Dibley. “That’s what he’s doing right now, making the game simpler for everybody, and he’s getting us easier shots and our defense has been really good. And as a result, we’ve got more confidence, more momentum.”

Smoother offense, stronger defense, and a revitalized team and fan base—Jimmy Butler’s era with the Warriors is just getting started, and the potential is limitless.

“It feels right. It feels like things are clicking,” Kerr told Willard and Dibley.

Ja Morant is renowned for his explosive athleticism and gravity-defying plays on the court. At just 25, he has built a highlight reel of jaw-dropping dunks that rival some of the greatest dunkers in NBA history.

Throughout his career, he has thrown down over countless defenders, but his most notable attempt this season came when he soared over San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. Though the dunk didn’t count, it remains one of the most impressive moments of the year.

However, on Sunday night, Morant experienced what it’s like to be on the receiving end of a poster dunk. During the Memphis Grizzlies’ matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he found himself the victim of a powerful slam by Jarrett Allen.

While most players might react with embarrassment after getting dunked on, Morant had a different approach. Instead of shying away, he embraced the moment—wrapping Allen in a hug and flashing a wide smile.

The and-one dunk extended Cleveland’s lead to 118-109 with 2:54 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers went on to secure a 129-123 victory, maintaining the NBA’s best record at 47-10, while the Grizzlies dropped to 37-20, matching the Denver Nuggets.

Despite the loss—and the dunk—Morant remained in good spirits. He and the Grizzlies will aim to bounce back in their next game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.

Cavs hold off Grizzlies for 7th straight NBA success

Donovan Mitchell delivered a standout performance with 33 points, while fellow All-Star Evan Mobley contributed 25 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists to lead the NBA-best Cleveland Cavaliers to a 129-123 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Ty Jerome provided a crucial spark, scoring 15 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter as the Cavaliers extended their league-best winning streak to seven games, improving to 47-10.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (37-20), currently second in the Western Conference, suffered their third loss in four games. Jaren Jackson Jr. recorded 22 points, Ja Morant finished with 21 points and 10 assists, and Luke Kennard added 19 points off the bench.

Out West, Oklahoma City maintained its dominance with a hard-fought 130-123 win over Minnesota. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental, posting 37 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and three steals. Chet Holmgren added 19 points as the Thunder (46-10) shot a season-best 54% (19-for-35) from beyond the arc.

Gilgeous-Alexander re-entered the game with eight minutes left and ignited an 18-4 run over the next five minutes, shifting momentum after his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, briefly put the Timberwolves ahead 110-105. The Thunder have now lost just once in the past 25 days.

Minnesota, playing short-handed, fought back from a 19-point second-quarter deficit but ultimately fell for the fourth time in five games. Anthony Edwards led the T’wolves (31-27) with 29 points and 10 rebounds.

Earlier in the day, Jayson Tatum guided Boston to a 118-105 win over New York, tallying 25 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Jaylen Brown contributed 24 points and eight boards, while Derrick White chipped in 19 points as the Celtics (41-16) strengthened their hold on second place in the East with a fifth straight victory.

In Atlanta, Cade Cunningham exploded for 38 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds to propel the Detroit Pistons to a 148-143 win over the Hawks, extending their season-best winning streak to six games.

Trae Young matched Cunningham with 38 points and dished out 13 assists, but Atlanta dropped its third straight contest. Despite Young’s efforts, he faced persistent defensive pressure from Dyson Daniels, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate who recorded four steals, bringing his league-leading total to 156 for the season. Daniels also contributed 24 points, five rebounds, and six assists.

Elsewhere, Ben Simmons had eight points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the Clippers’ 129-111 loss to Indiana. Other winners on the night included New Orleans, Toronto, Orlando, Milwaukee, and Golden State.