CLEVELAND — A dancing figure in an inflatable frog costume has emerged as the unlikely good luck charm behind the Cleveland Cavaliers' historic 15-0 regular season start, delighting fans and players alike outside Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
Following the Cavaliers' victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night, crowds of excited supporters gathered along Huron Road near East 6th Street, eagerly awaiting the appearance of the viral sensation known as "Cavs Frog" or "Froggy." The mysterious mascot delivered, dancing through the crowd with a cardboard sign that read, "15-0," to celebrate the team's latest win.
The phenomenon began last month when the Cavaliers jumped out to a 4-0 start, as the costumed character started appearing in Instagram posts on the @cavsfrog account, performing celebratory dances to Chinese percussion music after each victory.
"Froggy's here because we took a chance and there was not any thought behind it," explained Kaitie Nickel, who serves as the mascot's spokesperson. "Everybody smiles when they see her. That's it. People associate her with the wins, they associate her with joy and good vibes."
The amphibian entertainer has caught the attention of Cavaliers players, including center Jarrett Allen, who expressed enthusiasm about the unconventional mascot. "I've been wanting to dance with that frog since I've seen him," Allen said after Friday's win over the Bulls.
After Sunday's victory, Allen reflected on the broader significance of the frog phenomenon: "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."
The frog fever has even spread to the team's official mascot, Moondog, who joined in the fun by donning a frog costume to dance with players on the court.
Froggy does not speak, so when 3News asked her -- yes, the frog is a she -- about her reaction to being noticed by Cavs players, she responded with an enthusiastic wave.
Nickel sees the mascot's popularity as a reflection of Cleveland's character. "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," she said.
Fans can follow the continuing adventures of this amphibian sensation on Instagram @cavsfrog. The true identity of the person behind the costume remains a closely guarded secret, and 3News is withholding the identity of the magical mascot.