CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers honored a 16-year-old who rescued a family from a house fire in Cleveland last week. 

What You Need To Know

  • Tyler Sowden was honored at Sunday's Cleveland Cavaliers game at Rocket Arena

  • Sowden rescued a family from a house fire in Cleveland last week

  • Cavaliers All-Star Donovan Mitchell bought tickets for Sowden and his family to Sunday's game

Tyler Sowden received a standing ovation from the Rocket Arena crowd during the first quarter of Sunday's Cavaliers game against the Sacramento Kings.

On March 28, Sowden grabbed a ladder and sprung into action, helping rescue a mother and two small children who were on the roof of a burning house on Sacramento Avenue. 

Cavaliers All-Star Donovan Mitchell took notice of the heroic action and made his plans known to get in touch with Tyler. 

“It takes a lot of heart," Mitchell said. "It takes a lot of selflessness. That’s ultimately what being in a community is about, helping the next person you see. Definitely want to give him his credit, I also want him to come to the arena and get that ovation.” 

Mitchell and his foundation, Spida Cares, gifted the family Cavaliers jerseys in addition to providing them with lower bowl tickets to Sunday's game. 

The Cavs aren’t alone in recognizing Sowden’s heroic efforts. The Cleveland Division of Fire and City of Cleveland plan to honor him this week.