CLEVELAND, Ohio — Donovan Mitchell.
He’s one of the main reasons I have hope about the Cavs coming back next season and advancing deeper in the playoffs.
Just listening to Mitchell talk after the Cavs were eliminated in five games by Indiana is something Cavs fans should treasure.
“Just couldn’t believe it,” Mitchell said. “Don’t want to believe it. Still don’t want to believe it … It’s tough to win in this league. Give them credit. We didn’t do the things necessary.”
That’s the usual stuff the team’s star says when the season ends in the playoffs. But there was more … something very revealing.
“I love playing in that (expletive) arena, man,” said Mitchell. “That energy. That crowd. We were 0-3 at home. This place is special. This place is really special. And we didn’t get it done, especially at home. That’s what hurts.”
Mitchell paused.
“Let the city down,” he said. “We let each other down.”
Donovan Mitchell was exhausted trying to carry the Cavs clunky offense. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Sticks up for teammates
I’m trying to remember the last time I heard a pro athlete say something like that – something so heartfelt about his team, his city and his fans.
“I’ll go to bat for every guy in that locker room,” Mitchell said. “Winning is not easy. Some things have to go right. You got to play well, got to capitalize on opportunities. … We have a window with this group, I believe in everybody here. We believe in each other.”
Stars in this same position have used the postgame press conference to discuss the need for roster changes. It’s possible Mitchell believes that’s necessary, but he wasn’t going to mention that in public. He knows that would cause even more pain for a team that failed miserably in the playoffs.
“We’re a good team,” said Mitchell. “For five games … we didn’t show what we’re capable of. And ultimately that’s what we’re judged on.”
This is Mitchell’s eighth pro season. He’s averaged 28.3 points in his playoff career – seventh highest all-time. He averaged 34.2 points vs. Pacers, despite playing on a cranky calf muscle and an angry ankle. The man took a basketball beating.
Over and over, Mitchell drove to the rim. He was knocked down, drew fouls, then went to the free throw line. He scored the hard way because his jump shot was a mess. He desperately tried to carry the team, especially with backcourt mate Darius Garland dealing with a toe injury.
Mitchell went to the foul line an average of 14 times per game.
Darius Garland had a hard time dealing with Indiana’s pressure defense. He led the team with 12 turnovers and played only in three of the five games. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
Weakness exposed
Indiana exposed an unexpected weakness with the Cavs — bringing the ball up the court under pressure. Indiana’s defense completely disrupted the Cavs’ rhythm. Garland was back to his younger self, too often dribbling in circles and accomplishing almost nothing other than chewing up the 24-second clock.
In the three games he played, Garland averaged 14 points vs. the Pacers. He shot only .342 from the field and .167 on 3-pointers. He had 12 assists and 12 turnovers, a horrible ratio. By contrast, Mitchell had only 11 turnovers and he played all five games — and 80 more minutes than Garland.
Ty Jerome also had trouble vs. Indiana’s pressure. He often had to slowly back the ball up the court. Only Mitchell consistently was able to handle Indiana’s defense.
Jerome shot 15 of 50 (30%) from the field vs, the Pacers. He had nine turnovers compared to 13 assists. By Game 5, he was out of the regular rotation and only played a bit in the second half.
There will be a lot of talk about the Cavs lacking toughness. That’s true. But it’s more on the mental side than physical. They actually outrebounded Indiana 229-173 for the series.
It was the Cavs’ poor ballhandling and shooting that mostly led to their demise. Yes, injuries were a factor – but I wonder if they would have defeated Indiana even if fully healthy. The Pacers quickness and harassing defense had the Cavs completely out of synch on offense.
“Getting beat down like this … you’re going to write some (stuff) about us,” said Mitchell. “That’s gonna be fuel … fuel for everybody … Get in the gym. Get in the weight room … nutrition … and get back at it … you’re going to write us off … But we’ll be back.”