Donovan Mitchell Reflects Unselfish Play Ahead of Playoffs

CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell has emerged as a key player for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, showcasing an unselfish leadership style that may have contributed to the team’s success. As the Cavaliers prepare for their playoff debut, Mitchell reflects on a season where his scoring average dipped, yet his impact on the court may be greater than ever.

This season, Mitchell has averaged 24.0 points per game, a significant drop from past seasons when he was the primary scorer for his teams. Despite his scoring being the lowest since he joined the Cavaliers in 2022, his teammates are quick to highlight the positive effects of his selflessness.

“Unselfish MVP, that’s what I call it,” said Darius Garland, Mitchell’s backcourt partner. “Donovan empowers others — subtly, not outwardly.”

The Cavaliers have secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference, due in part to Mitchell’s willingness to take a step back in scoring, focusing instead on setting up his teammates. Coach Kenny Atkinson echoed Garland’s sentiments, stating, “He’s taking a very unselfish route this whole entire season.”

Mitchell acknowledges that his chances of winning the MVP award are slim, with strong candidates like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić topping the list this year. Regardless of individual accolades, Mitchell’s role in the team’s success cannot be understated, as he played a crucial part in molding the Cavaliers’ game strategy.

This season marked a shift in Mitchell’s approach. Playing only 31.4 minutes per game — the lowest of his career — he opted for a strategy focusing on teamwork rather than individual highlights. This decision has had collective benefits, revitalizing the performances of both Garland and forward Evan Mobley, leading to the team’s overall excellence and a No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

“Statistically, this is a down year if you want to call it that,” Mitchell noted. “It helps we’re winning, so clearly I’m doing something right.”

Despite earlier coaching challenges, Mitchell’s working relationship with Atkinson has blossomed. The two engaged in pivotal discussions that cultivated Mitchell’s focus on empowering his teammates and refining their collective strategies. “The thing I took away from our first chat was empowerment,” reflected Mitchell. “I had an opportunity to empower teammates to take the next step.”

Mitchell’s adaptation included tactical adjustments, including a temporary transition to coming off the bench. Understanding the need to evolve, Atkinson collaborated with Mitchell to maximize the effectiveness of their game plan. “He loves challenges. So he’ll respond to that,” said Johnnie Bryant, an assistant coach who has a significant influence on Mitchell’s development.

The Cavaliers’ impressive 15-game winning streak at the start of the season surprised many, with Mitchell’s scoring versatility becoming a pivotal factor in this success. Yet, as his individual scores dipped during that stretch, the collective performance of the team flourished.

As the playoffs approach, Mitchell remains focused on achieving team goals, displaying a newfound determination to leave a lasting impact without always being the top scorer. “For years, I always thought I needed to score, that’s all I knew,” Mitchell said. “But now… it’s a different approach.”

The Cavaliers are set to face their first playoff opponent on April 20, with Mitchell’s leadership and his evolving role expected to play a key part in their quest for a championship. As the playoffs begin, it’s clear that Mitchell’s perspective on success is centered on what truly matters: winning as a team.