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 made a joke that his mom wants him to speak louder.

Mitchell must increase both his volume and his performance. He has been unusually silent 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, for Mitchell it has been anything but.

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 — the most severe playoff loss in their history. However, he had a good start in Game 4, contributing 18 points and controlling the pace in the first half, helping Cleveland to establish a nine-point lead.

His look was one of determination, but by halftime, it had vanished.

Mitchell, hindered by a troublesome left knee, didn’t score any points and only attempted four shots in the second half. In the third quarter, the Cavs were outpaced by the Magic 37-10, leading to a resounding 112-89 victory for the Magic.

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

“He said, “I just can’t limit myself to four shots in that half. Like I told you after Game 1, this represents me. Taking fourteen and sixteen shots in successive games, regardless of it being right or wrong, indicates my level of aggression. But I wasn’t displaying that.”

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

Mitchell has been averaging 18 points since Game 1, with a shooting rate of 20 out of 52 (38%). This includes a surprising 4 out of 20 on 3-pointers. He has achieved 20 assists, made 15 turnovers, and is under constant pressure from Orlando’s guard, Jalen Suggs.

Mitchell has rejected the idea that his knee is a problem. However, he is evidently not in his usual condition.

Apart from the initial game, his usual acceleration has been absent. His trademark crossover, step-back 3-pointer – a move he uses to create a gap during crucial moments – seems to be lacking. It looks as though he is 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 need more from Mitchell, but it’s not guaranteed that he can elevate his performance to that degree.

Mitchell participated in 11 out of 29 games following the All-Star break, as he had to undergo surgery for a broken nose. His participation was further limited due to a knee injury, which was exacerbated when he stepped on the foot of Magic forward Paolo Banchero early in Game 3.

Mitchell was radiating calmness because there was no time for rest or overreaction.

“He emphasized that the most important thing is to remain calm and composed throughout the process,” he said. “While the outcomes of the last two games were not as expected, we have the opportunity to turn things around on our home ground. And that’s essentially our only focus right now.”

For now.

In the near future, discussions about Mitchell will transition from the upcoming game to the following season and beyond. This summer, he qualifies for a contract extension with Cleveland, and his future might be influenced by the performance of the Cavs, who were eliminated in the first round last year, this spring.

Mitchell emphasized the importance of the Cavs moving on, saying that the matter was for another day.

What occurs in Orlando, remains in Orlando.

“Give them their due recognition. And us as well,” he stated. “We fulfilled our responsibilities. The question now is, can we repeat it? We certainly will. That’s our current situation. If not, we’ll have to go home, something we don’t want,” he added.

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