Cavs’ Evan Mobley, Blazers’ Toumani Camara Named Defensive Players Of Month

Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley has been named the Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month for February, while Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara earned the honor in the Western Conference, the NBA announced.

Mobley joins his teammate Donovan Mitchell, who was named Player of the Month in the East, as an award winner for February.

The Cavaliers won 10 of their 11 games during the month, with Mobley anchoring a defense that posted the best defensive rating (108.0) of any Eastern Conference team. Mobley was second in the East in blocks per game (2.3) and ranked third in contested shots per game (11.5), according to the league.

The fourth-year forward/center, who also claimed Defensive Player of the Month honors for the East in December, is widely regarded as one of the frontrunners for this season’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara and Cleveland Cavaliers forward-center Evan Mobley have been named the Kia NBA Western and Eastern Conference Defensive Players of the Month, respectively, for games played in February. pic.twitter.com/57S73GpoQk

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 4, 2025

In the Western Conference, Camara’s standout defensive play helped the Trail Blazers improve their performance despite entering February with a 19-29 record. Portland won eight of 12 games during the month, and Camara was instrumental in their strong defensive showing, which ranked fourth-best in the NBA (109.2).

As relayed by the NBA, Camara ranked fourth in the West in steals per game (2.0) in February and was the only player in the conference to record at least 50 defensive rebounds, 20 steals, and 10 blocks during the month.

Camara’s efforts on the wing have made him one of the NBA’s most promising young defenders. His defensive versatility has been a key factor in Portland’s recent surge.

In the Eastern Conference, Nets center Nic Claxton, Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, Pacers center Myles Turner, and Pistons teammates Isaiah Stewart and Ausar Thompson were also nominated for the award.

In the West, Thunder wing Luguentz Dort, Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr., Rockets swingman Amen Thompson, and Clippers teammates Kris Dunn and Ivica Zubac were also in the running.