Cavs' Donovan Mitchell Says People 'Going to Write Us The F--k Off' After Playoff Loss

Donovan Mitchell believes the Cleveland Cavaliers will bounce back from Tuesday's stunning Game 5 loss to the Indiana Pacers, ending their season in the second round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs for the second straight year.

"Winning is not easy," he told reporters (54:40 mark). "Some things have to go right, you've got to play well. You've gotta capitalize on opportunities. ... We have a window, with this group. I believe in everybody in here. We believe in each other. And that's what sucks, man, is we're a good team. And through three games, we didn't show what we're capable of. And ultimately that's what we're judged on. So get in the gym, weight room, nutrition, whatever it is and get back at it, because... y'all gonna write us the f--k off. But we'll be back."

Mitchell did his part on Tuesday, putting up 35 points despite dealing with a left ankle injury he re-aggravated on Sunday. It was clear that he wasn't 100 percent, however, as he shot just 8-of-25 from the field and missed six of his 21 free-throw attempts.

He was easily Cleveland's best player in the series, scoring 30 or more points in four of the five games and 40 or more points twice.

There are going to be some serious questions about the roster around him, however, after the Cavaliers went from a 64-win regular season to a quick ouster in the postseason. The Cavs lost all three of their homes games against the Pacers and frankly looked lethargic in a few of the games, a recipe for a potential offseason reworking.

Mitchell almost assuredly isn't going anywhere, and Evan Mobley should remain in Cleveland as well. Whether Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland are the right running mates next to them, however, is up for greater debate.

"I do feel like we got better, from a team aspect... a lot of individuals took a step," Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters after the game. "But the truth is we didn't get to the level wanted to get to. So we're not celebrating the season. Now we gotta figure out the last piece, how we make that jump."

It's possible that jump won't be possible with this current group. Mitchell knows there will be plenty of doubters in that regard. But he isn't giving up hope just yet.