Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell took accountability following a 106-95 Cavs loss to the New York Knicks in the NBA Playoffs on Wednesday.
“I didn’t do my job,” said Mitchell, via clevelanddotcom Cavs. “That’s where I’m hurting. I deserve the criticism that comes with that. Things that I’ve done well all year. I’ll look at that in a few weeks and be like ‘man, we did a lot of good things.’ But, right now, I didn’t do my job.
“That’s what I’m mad about. I wasn’t there for my guys. A lot of hardworking guys. A hardworking city. That’s what hurts.”
Donovan Mitchell ended the night with 28 points as he sank 11 of his 26 shot attempts, fighting his way into the interior for close-range buckets or stopping off the dime as he quickly pulled up for mid-range attempts. He made three of his 12 3-point attempts, making three quick catch-and-shoot attempts in an attempt to keep the Cavs alive during a must-win matchup.
Four of Cleveland’s and six of New York’s players ended the win-or-go-home matchup with double-digit points. Forward Isaac Okoro finished the night with 10 points off the bench, knocking down both of his shots from the corners and two tries from the paint. Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley and forward Obi Toppin scored 19 and 12 points for New York in reserve roles.
Just as they had in Game 4, the Knicks dominated on the glass. New York center Mitchell Robinson and guard Josh Hart finished the elimination game with 18 and 12 rebounds, respectively. Robinson pulled down 11 offensive rebounds, following up the seven he gathered in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden.
Cleveland’s big duo of forward Evan Mobley and center Jarrett Allen took down a combined total of 13 boards. The Knicks’ 48 total rebounds and five blocks, including three from Robinson as he deflected opportunities from Mobley and Allen, overshadowed the 30 rebounds and two swatted shots from the Cavs.
