On Thursday, the NBA announced the All-Star Game reserves. To the pleasant surprise of all Cavs fans, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley were selected to join Donovan Mitchell in The Bay Area. Cleveland is the first team since the 2022-23 Boston Celtics to send at least three All-Stars to the game. After the news was announced, the Cavs thumped the Atlanta Hawks 137-115. Following the game, Mitchell announced him and his teammates would compete in the Skills Challenge during the weekend.
Donovan Mitchell breaking some news? while calling out everyone who wrote Darius Garland off last year 💯 pic.twitter.com/Aj00BUGvAI
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 31, 2025
Cavs All-Stars to Compete in Skills Challenge
In 2022 when the All-Star game was in Cleveland, the Cavs competed in the Skills Challenge. Jarrett Allen joined Garland and Mobley as the young Cleveland stars took home the trophy. However, at the time, neither Allen or Mobley were All-Stars, they were simply competing in the competition because they were the hometown team. But, this time around all three competing members will be All-Stars, making it even sweeter for the players.
Mitchell Bluffing?
Despite what Mitchell said in his postgame press conference, Garland was seemingly unsure if he and his teammates would participate when asked.
“I told him [Mitchell] I wasn’t doing it if I wasn’t in it [All-Star Game].” Garland said postgame. “We haven’t made our decision yet, so we’re going to have a talk about it tonight.”
Darius Garland and Evan Mobley Full Postgame After Win vs Hawks:
“[1:18, Garland] We haven’t made our decision yet [Skills Challenge]. We’re going to have a talk about it tonight to see what’s up—[2:29, Garland] From the jump. From training camp and on, I knew I was going to get… pic.twitter.com/9fioYMrBcC
— Dylan🔮🪼 (@dillybar2145__) January 31, 2025
While Garland seems unsure, it seems as though the three are leaning towards participating. The Skills Challenge would be a perfect representation of the Cavs’ current core. Their best player, as well as their two lottery picks that have developed into stars.
Garland
The upcoming All-Star Game will be Garland’s second appearance. He made the game in 2022, but hadn’t sniffed it since the Cavs’ acquired Mitchell until now. Garland suffered a down season in 2023-24, where he had his worst statistical season since his rookie campaign. The 25-year-old missed a large part of last season with a broken jaw, preventing him from eating.
“This time last year, I wasn’t talking, I wasn’t eating.” Garland said to TNT postgame. “So just to be here, I’m super blessed. It means a lot to me and the team, this is a team award.”
"This time last year, I wasn't even talking. I wasn't eating."
Darius Garland reflects on his All-Star selection in light of the adversity he faced last season. ❤️
(w/ @NabilKarimTV) pic.twitter.com/NIT9Dwx82g
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 31, 2025
Garland’s turnaround has been huge for the Cavs who top the Eastern Conference as we near All-Star Weekend.
Mobley
Potentially Cleveland’s most important player both currently, and in the future, Mobley has made his first of possibly many All-Star appearances. Similar to Garland, Mobley endured an injury-riddled year last season. He has taken the next step under future All-Star team coach Kenny Atkinson. Mobley is averaging a career-high in points despite a career-low 30.1 minutes per outing. His impact on the defensive end is immense, and the addition of the three ball to his game has made him imperative to the Cavs’ success.
The Last Word
Not often do we see a team send three players to the All-Star Game. The honors are just acknowledgement of the success the team has had to this point in the season. Whether the guys compete in the Skills Challenge or not, it will be a memorable weekend for all involved with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Photo credit: © Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
