Donovan Mitchell has opened up about his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and how they overcome their series deficit.
When the Utah Jazz traded Mitchell in the summer of 2022, he was hoping hed end up in his hometown of New York. So when he was sent to Cleveland instead, he didnt know what to expect.
Its been one of the best seasons of my life, Mitchell told FOX Sports. Im glad Im here. Obviously, its no secretdid I want to go home? Yeah, of course. But once I got here, saw the group we had, and realized what we could build, it didnt take long for me to think, man, this is something special.
Now, he really feels accepted and a sense of belonging.
The city of Cleveland has really won me over, he said. I genuinely love it there. It feels like home. Thats the biggest thing for me. Basketball will always be basketball, but when youre spending most of your time somewhere, you want to feel safe, at peaceand I do.
Mitchell earned his sixth straight All-Star nod this year and led the Cavs to a surprising 15-0 start. They finished the season as the top seed in the East with a 64-18 record the second-best in the NBA.
But right now, the Cavaliers are in a tough spot, trailing 0-2 in their second-round series against the Pacers.
Mitchell did everything he could in Game 2, dropping 48 points along with nine assists, five boards, and four steals in a narrow 120-119 loss.
When asked how the team bounces back mentally, Mitchell was honest.
You aint got no choice, he said. We can sit around and dwell on itand be home in four or five days. Or we can learn from the stuff we did well and keep it moving. Ive got no doubt everyone in that locker room is ready for Friday. Yeah, it stings, but weve got to handle business. Otherwise, its over. But I believe in everyone in that locker room. We all believe in each other.
READ MORE: Steph Curry Finally Speaks on Gut Punch of a Hamstring Injury
