Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell promises to ‘be better’ in Game 5 vs. Magic

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INDEPENDENCE (AP) — Donovan Mitchell paused while answering a question to adjust the wireless microphone pinned to the front of his wine-colored practice jersey. The All-Star guard wanted to make sure everyone could hear.

He humorously stated that his mother wants him to speak louder.

Mitchell must increase both his volume and his performance. He has been excessively quiet recently.

As the Cavaliers prepared for a Game 5 on Tuesday night against the Orlando Magic (8 ET, NBA TV) that could be pivotal in ways beyond the outcome of this best-of-seven series, Mitchell made it clear he knows he’s got to do more.

“It starts with me,” he said.

While the series has been balanced, it has been quite the opposite for Mitchell.

He scored 30 and 23 points, respectively, in Games 1 and 2 as the Cavs opened a 2-0 lead with home wins. But in Orlando, Mitchell wasn’t the same and neither were the Cavs, who appeared lost in Central Florida.

In Game 3, Mitchell only managed to score 13 points as the Cavs suffered a 121-83 defeat – their most severe playoff loss ever. However, he bounced back in Game 4, initiating with a strong performance by scoring 18 points and maintaining the tempo during the first half. This helped Cleveland secure a nine-point lead.

His look was determined, but it vanished by halftime.

Mitchell, hindered by a troubling left knee, made no scores and only attempted four shots in the second half. The Cavs fell behind in the third quarter, being outscored by the Magic 37-10, who ultimately secured a 112-89 victory.

Mitchell stated that the solution is simple, after spending two days analyzing what went wrong.

“He said, “I simply can’t take only four shots in that half. I already made it clear after Game 1, this is my nature. Taking fourteen and sixteen shots in successive games, regardless of it being right, wrong, or indifferent, indicates my level of aggression. And I wasn’t demonstrating that.”

“Therefore, I take responsibility for that and I’ll improve.”

Mitchell has been averaging 18 points since Game 1, with a shooting average of 38% (20-of-52), including a surprisingly low 4 out of 20 on 3-pointers. He has also managed 20 assists and 15 turnovers. Additionally, he has been relentlessly pursued by Orlando guard Jalen Suggs.

Mitchell has rejected the idea that his knee is a problem. However, he’s obviously not in his usual state.

Apart from the initial game, his usual speed has been lacking. His trademark crossover and step-back 3-pointer – a strategy he uses to gain an edge during crucial moments – seems to be absent. It seems like he’s attempting to conserve his energy.

“When asked about his health, he said, “I’m good.””

But is he 100 percent?

“I’m good,” he said.

To progress, the Cavs might require more from Mitchell, and it’s uncertain if he can elevate his performance to that level.

Mitchell participated in only 11 out of 29 games following the All-Star break due to a knee injury, which was exacerbated when he stepped on Magic forward Paolo Banchero’s foot early in Game 3. He also underwent surgery for a broken nose during this period.

Mitchell was exuding calm because there was no time for rest or overreaction.

“He emphasized the importance of remaining calm and composed throughout the process,” he said. “Our performance in the last two games didn’t meet our expectations, but we have the opportunity to rectify things on our home ground. That’s essentially our only focus.”

For now.

In the near future, discussion about Mitchell will no longer focus on the next game but rather on the upcoming season and beyond. This summer, he is qualified to negotiate a contract extension with Cleveland. His future may depend on how the Cavs, who faltered in the first round last year, perform this spring.

Mitchell emphasized the importance for the Cavs to move on, but that’s a matter for another day.

What occurs in Orlando, remains in Orlando.

“Credit should be given where it’s due – to them and to us,” he stated. “We accomplished what was expected of us. The question now is, can we repeat our success? We certainly will. That’s our current situation. If not, we’re heading home, which is something we’re trying to avoid.”

Take care of business on Tuesday, and everything else will follow.