Donovan Mitchell promised the Cleveland Cavaliers would return stronger following their unexpected Eastern Conference semifinals elimination, as the 64-win team fell to the Indiana Pacers in five games. The Cavaliers became just the fourth team in NBA history to win 64+ regular season games without reaching the Conference Finals, according to ESPN Research.
The top-seeded Cavaliers lost three consecutive home games to the Pacers, including Tuesday's series-ending 114-105 defeat where they surrendered a 19-point first-half lead. Cleveland had not lost consecutive home games at any point during their outstanding regular season.
Mitchell, who averaged 34.2 points in the series while battling a left ankle injury, shot just 8-of-25 in the decisive Game 5 but still managed 35 points. The eight-year veteran has now failed to advance beyond the second round throughout his career despite averaging 28.3 points in playoff appearances, the seventh-highest mark in NBA history.
Injury Challenges and Team Assessment
Injuries significantly impacted Cleveland's playoff rotation, with Darius Garland missing the first two games, while Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter both sat out Game 2. The Cavaliers struggled to match Indiana's physicality and intensity throughout the series despite their superior regular season record.
Kenny Atkinson acknowledged their progress while expressing disappointment with the outcome.
"I do feel like we got better. From the team aspect and then we had a lot of individuals make a step, so I just want to make that clear. But the truth of the matter is we didn't get to the level we wanted to get to. So, I'm not pleased with that," Atkinson said following the elimination.
Despite the frustration, Mitchell remained defiant about the team's future prospects and expressed his belief in the current roster even as the Cavaliers face second apron issues next season.
"I love playing in that f---ing arena. That energy, that crowd. We were 0-3 at home, let the city down. This place is special. This place is really special and we didn't get it done," Mitchell said.
"We have a window with this group, I believe in everybody in here, we believe in each other. That's what sucks, we're a good team. And for five games... we didn't show what we're capable of. And ultimately that's what we're judged on... We'll be back. Let the city down, let each other down. But we'll be back."
