The Cleveland Cavaliers put on a lackluster effort against the Detroit Pistons in Game 6 of their second-round playoff series on Friday night. Donovan Mitchell wasn’t fazed about losing homecourt advantage and revealed the keys to their win for Game 7.
Speaking to reporters after the Cavs’ disappointing 115-94 loss at home, Mitchell was asked what went wrong for them and what they need to do to win Game 7.
“They was just hungry from the jump,” Mitchell said. “At the end of the day, we didn’t match it. We got an opportunity, we didn’t do it, so now we got to go on the road and and get a win.”
The seven-time All-Star added, “Win the recovery battle (in Game 7) and understand it’s going to be a dog fight coming up. Simple as that.”
The game was pretty close in the first half before the Pistons pulled away in the third quarter. Mitchell finished with 18 points, but he was just 8-for-20 from the field.
James Harden had 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals, but he committed eight turnovers. It was an abysmal effort from the Cavaliers, especially in the second half in front of their home fans.
Game 7 is on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The winner advances to the next round to face the New York Knicks for a spot in the 2026 NBA Finals.
Donovan Mitchell Not Worried About Struggles
In his last two games, Donovan Mitchell is just averaging 19.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists on 34.2% shooting from the field and 21.4% from 3-point range. It’s a worrying trend for Mitchell and the Cavaliers ahead of a do-or-die Game 7.
In his postgame media availability, Mitchell wasn’t worried about his struggles in Games 5 and 6. He’s going to do what’s he’s doing, and that’s shooting the ball.
“I’m not here to look at the fact that I’m going to shoot shots,” Mitchell said, via Cleveland.com. “It’s just the overall force and impact of the game tonight. I missed shots, and making them most every game in the series, and tonight I didn’t. So I’m not worried about that. It’s more so everything else, and we missed an opportunity, but we can’t do anything about it.”
According to NBA statistician Keerthika Uthayakumar, Mitchell’s record in Game 6 dropped to 1-6 after Friday’s loss. He hasn’t won a Game 6 since April 2018 when he was with the Utah Jazz, but he’s 2-1 in Game 7s.
Donovan Mitchell Issue Ahead of Game 7
Jackson Flickinger of SB Nation’s Fear The Sword pointed out Donovan Mitchell’s inability to make adjustments could make or break the Cavs’ season. Mitchell has been successful in driving to the basket, but his shots haven’t been falling in the past two games.
Flickinger suggested that Mitchell should trust his teammates more and pass the ball when he draws the defense in.
“It’s difficult for teammates to buy in with off-ball movement if there’s no chance they will be rewarded for their effort,” Flickinger wrote. “Defense then becomes more difficult if you aren’t getting the energy on the offensive side of the ball. And in the end, this leads to a group that has consistently looked lifeless in the biggest moments and can’t really put their finger on why.”
It’s a critical point in Mitchell’s tenure in Cleveland. He has yet to lead his team to the Eastern Conference Finals. He’s got two more years left in his contract after this season.
Donovan Mitchell Reveals Keys to Cavs’ Success for Game 7 Against Pistons