Cavaliers Fall to Pacers, Ending Playoff Hopes for Donovan Mitchell and Cleveland
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Cavaliers’ promising season ended in disappointment on Tuesday night, as they were eliminated from the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, falling short 114-105 despite a standout performance from Donovan Mitchell. This loss marked yet another missed opportunity for Mitchell to reach the conference finals, a feat he has yet to achieve in his career.
Mitchell, who played 38 minutes with a sprained left ankle, scored an impressive 39 points but struggled with his shooting, finishing the game at just 32% from the field. The All-Star guard had provided hope by participating in pregame activities, but crucial missed free throws in the final minutes compounded the Cavaliers’ woes, allowing the Pacers to clinch the series.
Reflecting on the shocking end to the season, a despondent Mitchell returned to the court post-game, stating, “I just couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe it. I still don’t want to believe it.” The Cavaliers had dominated the first round, sweeping the Miami Heat, but faced a tough Pacers team that consistently applied pressure throughout the series.
Cavalier coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the disappointment, emphasizing they "didn’t capitalize" on their regular-season success, which included a strong 64-18 record. Notably, Mitchell was candid about the mental lapses that plagued the team. With the season now concluded, he remained optimistic for the future, asserting, “We have a window with this group. I believe in this team.”
As the Cavaliers regroup from an unexpected playoff exit, fans are left to ponder what the future holds for a team that had high aspirations.
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