Donovan Mitchell Says He's 'At Peace' with Cavs Before Pivotal Game 3 vs. Pacers
Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell discussed his experience with the Cleveland Cavaliers heading into a Game 3 clash against the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
"The city of Cleveland has really won me over," Mitchell told Fox Sports' Melissa Rohlin. "I really enjoy being there. It feels like home. That's my biggest thing. Basketball is going to be basketball. But you spend most of your time there and I feel like it's home. It feels safe. I feel like I'm at peace. And that's truly one of the biggest things for me."
The six-time All-Star is in the midst of his third season in Cleveland after the team acquired him in a blockbuster 2022 trade with the Utah Jazz.
The Cavaliers have made the playoffs in all three years with Mitchell and are coming off a dominant 2024-25 regular season, finishing with a 64-18 record and owning the No. 1 offensive rating in the league (via NBA.com).
Cleveland currently faces a 2-0 series deficit to the Pacers, though. The Cavs' Game 2 defeat was especially disheartening, as they blew a 119-112 lead with just under one minute remaining in the fourth quarter.
It's worth noting that Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter didn't suit up in the contest due to their respective injuries. There's reportedly optimism that all three players will be active in Game 3.
Their potential presence will be crucial alongside Mitchell, who has struggled to stay efficient without them despite wrapping up another impressive regular season.
In 71 starts, he averaged 24.0 points, 5.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game on 44.3/36.8/82.3 shooting splits.
Mitchell will look to help the Cavs avoid a disastrous 3-0 series hole in Game 3 on Friday. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. ET.
