Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell puts on a show in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. He looked like a superhero for 59 minutes and change. Even with his heroic efforts, their playoff dreams ended in a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to LeBron’s former team — the Indiana Pacers. Key performers on both teams, including Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter did not play. This created a seismic amount of pressure on the Cavaliers to tie the series. The team’s luck on their own, recent misfortunes have laid bare the issues they must address in the future.
As the game progressed, what Mitchell was doing on the floor became equally incredible. He sustained a jaw-dropping usage rate, responsible for at least 50% of his teams’ plays while shooting 20 attempts. That was a notable statistical milestone for him, putting him in an elite company in playoff history. As the hourglass counted down, weariness began to catch up with Mitchell, and the Cavaliers’ early advantage disappeared.
A Remarkable Performance
Donovan Mitchell turned into Superman during the first 47 minutes of Game 2. He inspired his teammates with insane competitiveness, will and fire. His usage rate climbed to historic highs, reflecting just how essential he was to the Cavaliers’ offensive game plan. The statistics reveal that he executed at least half of the team’s plays in a playoff game where he attempted 20 shots—an accomplishment that ranks among only six instances recorded in Stathead.com’s extensive database.
Even with Mitchell’s individual brilliance, his performance was not enough to overcome the lack of production from his teammates. The Cavaliers went on a huge run, building a 17-point lead late in the third quarter. As the game began to wind down, they held a healthy seven-point lead. With the team exhausted, fatigue began to sap the Panthers’ momentum. The resulting loss has put the Cavaliers in an ever-damaging hold, with their series standing on the cusp of destruction.
Emotional Fallout
Following the loss, Donovan Mitchell was understandably emotional during his postgame media availability. He underscored the weight of the loss and the challenges his squad must overcome in the days ahead. “The playoffs ain’t no joke,” he said, looking back at the fierce competition and high stakes of playoff basketball. As McMillan put it, every game becomes important and the Cavaliers are entering a must-win situation heading to Game 3.
Mitchell’s honesty was both inspiring and heartbreaking, for it laid bare the internal war players wage when they put everything into their performance and still come up short. He stressed that despite the disappointment, his squad has to re-center and concentrate on all that is still before them. With injuries to other key players complicating matters further, Mitchell knows that they have to come together as a team to work through these challenges.
Looking Ahead
The Cleveland Cavaliers are at a precipice point as they head into Game 3 vs the Indiana Pacers. Even without the contributions of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, De’Andre Hunter, their thin lineup has been incredibly weakened. Without these key contributors, a huge load has been put on Donovan Mitchell’s shoulders to lift the team on the offensive end.
Mitchell’s historical Game 2 usage rate is a sign of this sobering truth. He has risen to the occasion on a national movement leadership role. This increases the potential for him to fizzle out during the later phases of contests. He touched on needing his generals to take more initiative. One thing is for certain, the Cavaliers need to figure out how to take some of that pressure off their superstar.
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