Mitchell emphasized the Cavaliers’ mindset heading into the playoffs. After sweeping the Miami Heat, they now face the Indiana Pacers in a best-of-seven second-round series starting Sunday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
“We’re focused on taking that next step,” Mitchell said. “It’s not about regular-season success — we’re aiming for a championship. That’s what drives me every day.”
Mitchell reflected on his time with the Utah Jazz in 2021 when they entered the playoffs as the top seed in the Western Conference. Despite his 34-point average in that series, they were eliminated by the Clippers in six games. Now 28, Mitchell has reached the playoffs seven times but has yet to advance past the second round.
A Sense of Urgency
The Pacers come in with a 50-32 record, having dispatched the Milwaukee Bucks in just five games. Though often overlooked, Indiana reached the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, falling in a competitive sweep to eventual champs Boston.
That playoff pedigree is why Mitchell is stressing urgency and focus.
“It’s not that we didn’t have desperation before,” he said. “It’s about elevating that desperation. Before Miami, we had only one road playoff win since I arrived. After Game 2 of that series, we turned it up.”
Game 2 saw the Cavs nearly squander a 19-point lead, but Mitchell’s 17-point fourth quarter rescued them. From there, Cleveland brought more intensity on defense and the glass, sweeping the remaining games with a combined 92-point margin — despite missing Darius Garland.
Mitchell, who has averaged 28 points over 58 playoff games — sixth all-time — understands how grueling the postseason can be. Still, his teams have never made it beyond Round 2.
Indiana Brings a New Challenge
This Pacers team is not the same as the struggling, 10th-seeded Heat squad. Indiana thrives in transition and plays a difficult “five-out” offense with all five players spaced and capable of shooting.
“They’re the best transition team in the NBA,” said Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson. “It’s a tough matchup — you’re tempted to protect the rim, but they stop and shoot threes.”
Atkinson pointed to Tyrese Haliburton as their “quarterback,” calling him a 6-foot-7 floor general. He also highlighted Pascal Siakam, Indiana’s leading scorer and an underrated threat.
Why Mitchell Believes This Year Is Different
When asked what sets this Cavaliers team apart, Mitchell didn’t hesitate.
“Evan Mobley,” he said. “He’s been a huge part of our success all year. With him stepping up, we truly believe we can keep advancing.”
Mobley recently earned NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors, further boosting the Cavs’ confidence.
The Bottom Line
Indiana is a serious opponent. But if Cleveland maintains the level of desperation and intensity that carried them through Miami, Mitchell believes they have what it takes.