The Cleveland Cavaliers lost Game 1 of their second-round matchup against the Indiana Pacers, 121-112. It was a good game from both teams, but the Pacers were hitting on all cylinders and could barely be stopped. There were times when the Cavs would get close and take the lead in the second half, but the Pacers were too much to deal with.
Though some fans may think this may be the end of the world for the Cavs, Donovan Mitchell shared his thoughts on the Game 1 loss.
“This is nothing to freak out about,” Mitchell said via ESPN’s Jamal Collier. “Understanding that it’s a long game. They made some shots, and you got to come in and give them credit. To make shots on the road, Game 1, set that tone, that’s credit to them.
“But never hanging your head. Don’t trip. [It’s] pretty much been the message the whole time. Tonight, understanding that look we didn’t play our best basketball. But we’ll be better.”
Mitchell carried the Cavs throughout the game, and he finished with 33 points, but only shot 1-for-11 from the 3-point line. The Cavs shot 24% from the 3-point line as a team, while the Pacers shot 53%. Everything seemed to be working out for the Pacers in Game 1, and it doesn’t seem like a surprise to many.
For the Cavs, they’re going to have to play better defense and start knocking down their shots if they want to win Game 2. Another hope is that Darius Garland returns, but it sounds like his toe sprain may be a bigger problem than many think. There’s still a chance that he can return in Game 2, but he’s going to need another full practice for the Cavs to believe that he’s good enough to step on the court.
It’s just Game 1, and fans shouldn’t worry about what’s to come from the Cavs. All year, they’ve shown that they can bounce back, and they have a good chance of doing that next game.
