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 mentioned that his mother wants him to speak louder.

Mitchell must increase both his volume and his performance. He has been excessively 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, it hasn’t been the same 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 their worst playoff loss in history, 121-83. However, he made a strong start in Game 4, scoring 18 points and dictating the pace in the first half, which helped Cleveland establish a nine-point lead.

He wore a determined look, but by halftime, it had vanished.

Mitchell, hampered by an irksome left knee, failed to score and only attempted four shots in the second half. The Cavaliers were outpaced 37-10 in the third quarter, leading to the Magic securing a 112-89 victory.

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

“He said, “I simply cannot take just four shots in that half. As I mentioned to you following Game 1, this is my playing style. Taking fourteen and sixteen shots in two successive games, regardless of whether it’s right or wrong, demonstrates my level of aggression. But I was not displaying that.”

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

Mitchell has been averaging 18 points from Game 1, shooting 20-of-52 (38%) with an unusual 4 out of 20 on 3s. He has managed to achieve 20 assists but has also made 15 turnovers. He is under constant pressure from Orlando guard, Jalen Suggs.

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

Apart from the opening game, his usual speed has been lacking. His trademark move of crossover, step-back three-pointer, which he uses to create space in crucial moments, seems to be missing. It seems like 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.

The Cavs might need Mitchell to perform at a higher level to progress, but it’s uncertain if he can elevate his game to that extent.

Mitchell participated in 11 out of 29 games following the All-Star break due to a knee injury, which he worsened by stepping on Magic forward Paolo Banchero’s foot early in Game 3. In addition to this, he also underwent surgery for a broken nose.

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

“He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure throughout the process,” he said. “Our performance in the last two games was not up to the mark, but we have an opportunity to make amends at home. That’s essentially our only focus.”

For now.

In the near future, the discussion about Mitchell will move from the upcoming game to the forthcoming season and beyond. He could sign a contract extension with Cleveland this summer, and his future might depend on the Cavs’ performance this spring, particularly considering their early exit in the first round last year.

Mitchell emphasized the importance of the Cavs moving on, but that’s a discussion for another day.

What occurs in Orlando, remains in Orlando.

“Credit them. Credit us,” he asserted. “We accomplished what we had set out to do. The question now is, can we repeat our success? We will. That’s our current situation. If not, we’re heading home, something we don’t wish to occur.

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