The Cleveland Cavaliers are down 0-1 against the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
With a double-digit loss to begin the series, it was clear that one of the Cavs’ biggest issues was the lack of trips to the free-throw line for the veteran star, Donovan Mitchell.
After the game, Mitchell made it clear that the lack of free throws is not why the Cavaliers came up short against the Pistons. However, he shared his thoughts on the topic when it was brought up by the media.
Donovan Mitchell Speaks On Lack Of Trips To The Free Throw Line
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 20: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the third quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena on April 20, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Raptors 115-105. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
“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.”
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Rocket Arena on March 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
When Mitchell acknowledged his lack of free throws in round one against the Toronto Raptors (16 free throws in seven games), he wondered if his own lack of flopping was the simple answer to the burning question.
“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.”
The Cavaliers Drop Game 1
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Rocket Arena on March 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Mitchell checked into Game 1 for 35 minutes. He shot 9-19 from the field, going 4-10 from beyond the arc. The star guard produced 23 points, while coming down with four rebounds and snatching three steals.
The Cavaliers lost 111-101.
With an 0-1 deficit to open the second round, Mitchell and the Cavaliers are moving forward without expecting major changes with the calls. The focus is simply about getting back on track. Game 2 begins Thursday, May 7.