Late in Game 7, the Pistons’ Marcus Sasser nailed a crucial 3-pointer, narrowing the Cavaliers’ lead to six. But Donovan Mitchell, a seven-time All-Star, quickly countered. He received an inbounds pass and launched a shot that soared in from nearly mid-court, extending their advantage back to nine.
With Mitchell’s leadership, the Cavaliers won decisively, 125-94, showcasing one of the strongest Game 7 performances in NBA history. He finished with 26 points, six rebounds, and eight assists while not turning the ball over, marking his first trip to the conference finals.
Post-game, Mitchell reflected on his journey, saying, “This feels like a breath of fresh air. We aimed for the Finals since starting the season. But we can only pause for 12 hours before we get back to work.”
This victory sends the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018. Remarkably, this is their first trip without LeBron James since 1992, a significant shift in team dynamics. The Cavaliers have never reached the Finals without him.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson praised Mitchell, stating, “His defense and rebounding set the tone. He controlled the game.” This was especially impressive considering Mitchell’s ups and downs during the earlier games of the series. In Game 6, he struggled, scoring only 18 points off 30% shooting when his team could have closed out the series.
Teammate Jarrett Allen noted how Mitchell started by facilitating team play, which helped build momentum before he took charge. His eight assists were a pivotal part of the team’s success.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will need this version of Mitchell against the Knicks. His performance is critical; statistics show they win 83% of games when he scores at least 25 points.
Mitchell, a New York native, is eager for the matchup, humorously stating he had the option to stay home or compete. “We might as well play some basketball while we’re at the crib,” he quipped.
As basketball season unfolds, Mitchell’s journey and the Cavaliers’ path toward a potential championship are gaining momentum, captivating fans and analysts alike. The pressure is high, but so is the excitement for this historic moment in Cleveland basketball.
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