Regardless of falling right into a 2-0 sequence deficit in opposition to the Pacers within the Japanese Convention semifinals, Donovan Mitchell stays assured within the Cleveland Cavaliers’ capacity to compete, in response to an unique interview with FOX Sports activities.
Mitchell, who joined Cleveland in 2022 after the Jazz traded him, has embraced his function with the Cavaliers regardless of initially hoping to land in his hometown of New York.
“It has been among the best seasons of my life,” Mitchell instructed FOX Sports activities. “I am glad I am right here. Clearly, it is no secret: Did I need to go dwelling? I imply, yeah, positive. However coming right here, seeing the group we had, understanding what we might proceed to construct, it wasn’t lengthy earlier than I used to be like, man, that is particular.”
The shorthanded Cavaliers, lacking Defensive Participant of the Yr Evan Mobley, De’Andre Hunter, and Darius Garland attributable to accidents, squandered a 20-point lead in Recreation 2 earlier than Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left.
“You ain’t acquired no selection,” Mitchell mentioned when requested about recovering from the loss. “We might sit right here and dwell on this, and be dwelling in about 4 or 5 days. Or we might transfer on and take some issues that we did rather well and go from there.”
Mitchell has been distinctive within the sequence, averaging 40.5 factors whereas enjoying by means of calf points and cramps. His 48-point, nine-assist effort in Recreation 2 wasn’t sufficient to stop the Pacers from taking a commanding sequence lead.
The six-time All-Star signed a three-year, $150.3 million extension with Cleveland final July, confirming his dedication to the franchise after main them to the highest seed within the Japanese Convention with a 64-18 document.
“The town of Cleveland has actually gained me over,” Mitchell mentioned. “I actually take pleasure in being there. It looks like dwelling. That is my greatest factor. Basketball goes to be basketball. However you spend most of your time there and I really feel prefer it’s dwelling. It feels secure. I really feel like I am at peace.”
