The Cleveland Cavaliers are presently one of many hottest groups within the NBA, boasting a surprising 15-0 report. Whereas this begin positions them as early favorites for a deep playoff run, Donovan Mitchell is urging warning, emphasizing the significance of staying grounded amid the success.
If the Cavaliers can defeat the Boston Celtics tonight, they’ll lengthen their streak to 16 video games, securing the second-longest undefeated begin to an NBA season, solely behind of the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who began that marketing campaign with a exceptional 24-0 report.
Regardless of the historic implications, Mitchell is maintaining his deal with long-term objectives. “That is nice,” Mitchell stated on The Pivot podcast. “It has been a historic begin, however, like, this s— doesn’t matter proper now. We’re constructing good habits, and I believe that’s one of the best half, however on the finish of the day, what issues is what we do after All-Star Break.”
Mitchell’s phrases carry weight, particularly when reflecting on the destiny of these 2015-16 Warriors. Whereas they set a regular-season report of 73-9, they finally fell to the Cavaliers within the NBA Finals.
Darius Garland #10 Jarrett Allen #31 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers have a good time with a frog mascot after defeating the Chicago Bulls throughout of the Emirates NBA Cup sport at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. (Jason Miller/Getty Photos)
Mitchell displays on workforce progress
Mitchell additionally addressed how the workforce has overcome challenges in comparison with final season, the place accidents hampered their progress. “We had adversity final yr,” Mitchell stated. “I used to be out for about 15 video games, DG [Darius Garland] was out for 20 video games, and Evan [Mobley] was out for 20 video games, as we’ve proven who we’re. And I’ve little doubt when adversity hits, we’re going to get nearer.”
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He credited head coach Kenny Atkinson for making a tradition centered on workforce basketball. “Coach Atkinson has been phenomenal along with his message of constant to play with tempo, selfless play, and workforce basketball,” Mitchell added.
Evan Mobley prepares for Celtics check
The Cavaliers face their hardest problem but, taking over the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics. Evan Mobley views the matchup as a chance to measure their progress and show their standing as contenders.
“We’ve all the time needed to check ourselves towards one of the best,” Mobley stated after the workforce’s fifteenth win. “It’s about seeing the place we stand within the league, and day after tomorrow, we’ll have a wonderful check.”
