CLEVELAND, Ohio — There will be a lot of talk about injuries, and the Cavs were hurt by them in the playoffs.
But as the Cavs walked off the Rocket Arena floor following Tuesday’s season-ending 114-105 loss to Indiana, I kept wondering, “What happened to this team?”
That’s no disrespect to Indiana. Back when the Cavs were healthy at the start of the best-of-seven series, I picked the Cavs to win in seven games. I also feared they’d lose the series.
But not in five games.
Not like this, where they lost their identity on offense.
Not when they blew leads of 19 points (Game 5) and 21 points (Game 2) on their home court to the Pacers.
Not when the Cavs played three games at home in front of a screaming crowd who loves them – and lost them all.
Lost …
The word keeps coming as this season ends.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell wipes his face with his jersey as he walks off the court after losing to the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Arena. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Something was missing
Not just in the context of losing games, but losing what made the Cavs the best team in the Eastern Conference with a 64-18 regular season record.
The Cavs that led the NBA in scoring? That team was gone in this series.
The Cavs that were No. 2 in 3-point shooting? Not in this series.
Yes, the Cavs had injuries. Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle) and De‘Andre Hunter (thumb) missed games. But all were back on the court for the last three games, even if they weren’t 100% healthy.
But it would be wrong for the Cavs to write off the series as “We lost because we had injuries.” Something else went wrong.
Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson never could find a way to deal with Indiana’s fast-paced approach. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
An honest assessment
After the game, a thoughtful and candid Kenny Atkinson explained what happened.
“They presented a physical challenge,” said the Cavs coach. “They sustained it longer than we could … it’s also mental.”
I love how Atkinson mentioned the mental part.
Indiana would fall behind by 21 points and 19 points on the road … and still come back to win.
“The mental part, we have to get over it,” said Atkinson. “The pace against this team is incredibly high. We have to work at it.”
No NBA team brings the ball over halfcourt faster than Indiana did this season … 4.5 seconds. No team throws more passes per possession than Indiana.
“They press for 48 minutes and they run faster than anyone in the league,” said Atkinson. “We have the data. They have recruited to their style of play.”
Atkinson was surprised how the Cavs had trouble bringing the ball up the court against Indiana’s pressure. He didn’t name anyone, but it was clear Darius Garland and Ty Jerome had the most problems.
Perhaps it had to do with Garland’s toe injury, but there have been times in playoffs past when Garland struggled against rugged in-your-face defense.
After a remarkable regular season and a strong first round performance vs. Miami, this was Jerome’s real introduction to playoff basketball. He seemed overwhelmed much of the time – at least until he came off the bench to score eight points in the second half of Game 5.
Perhaps Atkinson could have helped the situation with having Max Strus or even Evan Mobley come back to help bring the ball up the court. I still think Craig Porter Jr, could have been an asset in certain spots in each playoff game because he is a reliable ball handler.
Darius Garland had problems bringing the ball up against Indiana’s pressure defense. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
Need more than Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell battled a cranky calf muscle and later … a sore ankle … during the series. He was the one Cavalier capable of handling the physical and emotional pressure from Indiana – despite those injuries.
Mitchell finished with 35 points in Game 5. He was 8 for 25 shooting. I believe his leg troubles hurt when it came to getting lift for his jump shot.
Over and over again, Mitchell drove to the rim. He drew fouls. He was 15 for 21 at the foul line. But when he went to the line with 1:46 left in the game and the Cavs behind 106-100 … he clanged three consecutive free throws off the rim. He won’t make the excuse, but clearly Mitchell was exhausted.
The man could hardly jump and he still had nine rebounds. He is a true superstar who averaged 34 points vs. the Pacers.
As the Cavs’ ball movement and play movement was frustrated by Indiana’s pressure, Mitchell tried to carry his team to victory.
They need more …
Not just more and better ball handling, but more poise from the other players.
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle is taking his team to the Eastern Conference finals for the second year in a row.
AP
What about Indiana?
“We were a pretty significant underdog in every game we’ve played in this series and that will continue until the end,” said Indiana coach Rick Carlisle before Tuesday’s game. “We’re going to keep approaching this like we have everything to prove. We know people don’t believe in us. So we’re gonna just stay in the fight and keep fighting.”
Fight they did. And win they did.
“They had a great year,” Carlisle said after the game. “I’m sorry their season had to end like this in a way … we’re hot at the right time.”
No … Indiana is just plain good … and playoff tested.
Since January 1, 2025, the Pacers have a 42-16 record counting the playoffs.
This series can be powerful for the Cavs as they try to reach Indiana’s level. Atkinson mentioned that several times, and he’s right.
“They wore us down,” admitted Atkinson.
Indiana didn’t get hot at the right time, they peaked when it meant the most.