Cavs' Donovan Mitchell masterpiece spoiled by heartbreaking ending despite absurd stats
Context:
Donovan Mitchell delivered a phenomenal performance for the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring 48 points, but it was not enough to secure a victory in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinal against the Indiana Pacers. The Cavaliers were already at a disadvantage due to the absence of key players like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter, forcing Mitchell to take on a dominant role. Despite his efforts, including several impressive dunks and a high free-throw conversion rate, the Pacers managed to rally and win the game with a dramatic late comeback, capped by Tyrese Haliburton's buzzer-beater. This loss was particularly disappointing for Cleveland, which has high hopes for an NBA championship but now faces a daunting challenge. The team's aspirations seem precarious as they rely heavily on Mitchell's performance amidst ongoing injuries and setbacks.
Dive Deeper:
Donovan Mitchell managed to score an impressive 48 points, alongside 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block, showcasing his capability to lead the team in the absence of other key players.
The Cleveland Cavaliers faced a significant disadvantage in Game 2 due to the injuries of fellow All-Stars Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, putting additional pressure on Mitchell to perform.
Despite Mitchell's aggressive plays, including frequent drives to the basket and high free-throw scoring, his efforts were not enough to prevent the Pacers from completing a stunning comeback.
Tyrese Haliburton's decisive stepback three-pointer in the final moments sealed the victory for the Pacers, rendering Cleveland's last efforts ineffective and highlighting the Cavs' inability to close out the game.
The loss underscores the Cavaliers' precarious position in their championship aspirations, as their reliance on Mitchell amidst injuries raises concerns about their ability to advance in the playoffs.
Cleveland's collapse in this game reflects a historic pattern of disappointments, adding pressure on Mitchell to consistently deliver extraordinary performances to keep the team's hopes alive.
The Cavaliers face an uphill battle with no clear resolution in sight for their injured players, making their path to an NBA championship increasingly uncertain.
Donovan Mitchell did everything he possibly could.
And in heartbreaking fashion for the Cleveland Cavaliers, it wasn't enough.
These Cavs hadn't shown up at all in Game 1 of this Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers. And then injury absences threatened to ruin Game 2, with Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter all missing.
Mitchell did his best to overcome it all. This is what he signed a contract extension with Cleveland to do.
He couldn't get his Utah Jazz over the playoff hump, but Mitchell wanted to do better for his Cavs.
With no Garland or Mobley (fellow All-Stars), Mitchell had no choice but to dominate.
His outside shot wasn't falling, so Mitchell barreled to the basket again and again, throwing down a couple dunks (including a poster) and getting to the foul line.
Mitchell's final stats were absurd:
- 48 points
- 5 rebounds
- 9 assists
- 4 steals
- 1 block
- 15-30 FG
- 1-7 3FG
- 17-21 FT
But somehow, it wasn't enough.
The Pacers scored the last eight points of the game, capped by Tyrese Haliburton's stepback 3-pointer just before the buzzer.
All Mitchell could do was watch as Cleveland's final desperation heave finished well off the mark.
Even with the injuries, the Cavs couldn't afford to lose Game 2.
It looked like Mitchell wasn't going to let them.
But in a historic collapse, one that felt a little too familiar for Cleveland sports fans, Mitchell's legendary night was wasted.
The Cavs have NBA championship aspirations, but the climb has never been taller.
Mitchell will keep putting the Cavaliers on his back as much as he can, but it's not clear anymore whether that'll be enough.