Despite falling into a 2-0 series deficit against the Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Donovan Mitchell remains confident in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ ability to compete, according to an exclusive interview with FOX Sports.
Mitchell, who joined Cleveland in 2022 after the Jazz traded him, has embraced his role with the Cavaliers despite initially hoping to land in his hometown of New York.
“It’s been one of the best seasons of my life,” Mitchell told FOX Sports. “I’m glad I’m here. Obviously, it’s no secret: Did I want to go home? I mean, yeah, sure. But coming here, seeing the group we had, understanding what we could continue to build, it wasn’t long before I was like, man, this is special.”
The shorthanded Cavaliers, missing Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley, De’Andre Hunter, and Darius Garland due to injuries, squandered a 20-point lead in Game 2 before Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left.
“You ain’t got no choice,” Mitchell said when asked about recovering from the loss. “We could sit here and dwell on this, and be home in about four or five days. Or we could move on and take some things that we did really well and go from there.”
Mitchell has been exceptional in the series, averaging 40.5 points while playing through calf issues and cramps. His 48-point, nine-assist effort in Game 2 wasn’t enough to prevent the Pacers from taking a commanding series lead.
The six-time All-Star signed a three-year, $150.3 million extension with Cleveland last July, confirming his commitment to the franchise after leading them to the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 64-18 record.
“The city of Cleveland has really won me over,” Mitchell said. “I really enjoy being there. It feels like home. That’s my biggest thing. Basketball is going to be basketball. But you spend most of your time there and I feel like it’s home. It feels safe. I feel like I’m at peace.”