Eight games into the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Donovan Mitchell isn’t exactly pleased with the way games have been officiated.
The Cleveland Cavaliers‘ star guard went from averaging 9.9 free throws per playoff game in nine matchups last season to having just 2.3 so far this year.
Following the Game 1 Cavaliers loss against the Detroit Pistons, Mitchell addressed the topic.
What Did Donovan Mitchell Say About The Lack Of Calls?
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a play during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on March 30, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Mitchell started with an honest assessment of what’s been going on throughout his playoff run.
“I’m trying to get downhill,” Mitchell told reporters on Tuesday night.
“A friend of mine got fined for talking about flopping, so I’m trying not to double-down, but I feel like that’s what I got to do at this point, you know what I mean? I’m trying to get downhill, trying to the get to the bucket, and sometimes people in my way, and I’m trying to fight through contact, and I’m not getting these calls.”
The star guard believes the calls should be there, but whistles have been more silent than he would expect.
Mitchell didn’t suggest he would give flopping a shot, but he wondered if that’s why he’s not getting the calls.
“I don’t know why–I don’t flop–maybe that’s why?” he continued. “This isn’t just a tonight thing. This has been the entire [playoffs] and it’s frustrating a little bit, because I’m such a dynamic driver, right? But I can’t control that. So, if they are not going to call it for me, then I have to find a way to finish through that.”
JB Bickerstaff Sends Mitchell A Warning
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 09: Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff reacts during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 09, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
When Bickerstaff was asked about the comments after practice on Wednesday, he had this to say about his former player:
“Donovan is very intelligent. It’s all messaging, and we understand that. Again, our message is that flopping is a violation,” the head coach stated.
The Cavaliers are down 0-1 in the series. With only one trip to the free-throw line, Mitchell produced 23 points, while adding four rebounds and two assists to his line. The Cavaliers came up short with a 111-101 loss.
It’s clear that Mitchell is growing frustrated with the lack of calls in his favor, but it shouldn’t change the way he attacks for his points.