CLEVELAND — Right after the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night to remain unbeaten in the regular season at 15-0, fans poured out of Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
"Where's the frog?" asked multiple people as they scoured the crowded sidewalks along Huron Road near East 6th Street, where an impromptu mascot for the Cavs' record winning streak has been known to appear.
Moments later, someone in an inflatable frog costume, carrying a cardboard sign that read, "15-0," could be seen dancing down the sidewalk, surrounded by a large cheering crowd. Most had their smartphones out to capture and post about the moment on social media.
The Cavs victory frog, also known as Cavs Frog, or simply, Froggy, first leaped out on social media last month when the Cavs jumped out to a 4-0 start.
Froggy could be seen in Instagram posts on the account, @cavsfrog, dancing to the beat of Chinese percussion instruments for each win of the Cavs' unbeaten season thus far.
Soon she became a local sensation. At 14-0 -- and Cavs players have taken notice.
“I've been wanting to dance with that frog since I've seen him,” Cavs center Jarrett Allen said after the win over the Bulls on Friday.
Even the Cavs' official mascot, Moondog, got into the frog hype by stuffing himself into a frog costume to dance with the players on the court.
"It's funny, but it's just like -- that's what this stuff is all about. That's [how] the city of Cleveland has our backs like that," said Allen after the Hornets win on Sunday night.
Froggy does not talk, so when 3News asked her -- yes, the frog is a she -- what her reaction was to have been noticed by Cavs players, she waved her arm with excitement.
"Froggy's here because we took a chance and there was not any thought behind it," said the mascot's spokeperson, Kaitie Nickel. "Everybody smiles when they see her. That's it. People associate her with the wins, they associate her with joy and good vibes. I think Cleveland should have been known a lot longer for its positivity, good vibes and great people, so I'm glad [fans] are finally getting the recognition they deserve," said Nickel.
3News is withholding the true identity of the magical mascot.
You can follow Froggy's adventures on Instagram @cavsfrog.