Donovan Mitchell Says Cavs Must 'Take Care of Business' amid Series Deficit vs. Pacers
The Cleveland Cavaliers came into the postseason as one of the best teams in the league ready to make a run at the title, but they're now facing a 2-0 deficit against the Indiana Pacers.
Cavs star Donovan Mitchell knows there's no other option but to focus on the games ahead rather than sulk in the two early losses.
"You ain't got no choice," Mitchell told Fox Sports. "We could sit here and dwell on this, and be home in about four or five days. Or we could move on and take some things that we did really well and go from there. I have no doubt that everybody in that locker room is ready for Friday. It sucks, it stings, but we've got to go out there and take care of business. Otherwise, that's it. But I believe in everybody in that locker room. We believe in each other."
Since the start of the playoffs, the Cavaliers have had a few obstacles to overcome. The biggest has been the absence of Darius Garland, who has been out since Game 2 of the first round because of a toe injury.
Garland was Mitchell's sidekick and the team's second-leading scorer during the regular season, putting up 20.6 points and 6.7 assists per game.
The injury troubles have only grown for Cleveland as Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley missed Game 2 because of an ankle injury. Key role player De'Andre Hunter also missed the second game of the series with a thumb injury.
Luckily for the Cavs, things could get better in Game 3 as there is "optimism" all three players will be back for Friday's contest. Head coach Kenny Atkinson said they are "hoping for the best" heading into Game 3.
In the absence of the key players, Mitchell has looked like the best version of himself, putting up 33 points in Game 1 before dropping 48 points in Game 2. But Mitchell's efforts couldn't erase a second-half deficit in Game 1, nor could they prevent an absurd comeback effort and a game-winning shot from Tyrese Haliburton on Tuesday.
The Cavs put together one of their best seasons in franchise history, but they also didn't have to face much adversity during the regular season. Now tasked with overcoming a 2-0 deficit while dealing with injury troubles, Mitchell and Cleveland have the chance to respond in a big way.
