The Cleveland Cavaliers are down 1-0 in their series against the Detroit Pistons, and it feels like the outside is already putting pressure on the team. That pressure always finds its way to the star player on the team, and once again in his career, Donovan Mitchell is looking to make a deep run into the playoffs.
He has yet to make it to the conference finals in his nine years in the league, and he has the best chance to do so with the team the Cavs have built around him this season.
Now with the Cavs down 1-0, many are wondering if there is any pressure surrounding Mitchell this season.
“I’ve been here before, the pressure’s really not — I don’t really feel it,” Mitchell said via ESPN’s Jamal Collier. “This isn’t pressure. Getting your next meal is pressure. Where am I going to live? You know, that’s pressure. This is an opportunity. This is fun.
“At least I know we put our best foot forward regardless of the result. … In years past, some s— just didn’t go my way. Now I’m like: We made the moves. We’ve done the talk. Now, just continue to walk the walk.”
The Cavs added James Harden to the fold at the trade deadline, and he’s another player who is searching for their first championship. Harden isn’t in the phase of his career anymore where teams are looking for him to score a lot of points, but he’s more found himself in a traditional point guard role.
“It takes a humility about you,” Mitchell said. “You go from scoring 60, 50, 50-point triple-doubles to now, not necessarily doing that, but understanding that, I’m going for Don, but I’m also here to help JA. I’m here to help Evan.”
For the Cavs, they have no excuses with the talent they have on the team, and like Mitchell said, it’s time for them to walk the walk.