Cavaliers face uphill battle in Eastern Conference finals after Pistons elimination

The Cleveland Cavaliers have secured their place in the NBA Eastern Conference finals after defeating the Detroit Pistons in Game 7 of the semifinals. The team now faces the New York Knicks, against whom they hold a 0-2 deficit in the current series. Game 3 is scheduled to take place in Cleveland on Saturday.

Coach Kenny Atkinson publicly praised Donovan Mitchell for his leadership and consistency during a turbulent season, specifically highlighting Mitchell's performance in Game 7 against the Pistons. Mitchell scored 26 points on 10-for-22 shooting and recorded eight assists, following a poor showing in Game 6 where he scored 18 points on 6-for-20 shooting.

Mitchell has led the Cavaliers to their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in his nine-year NBA career. The team underwent a franchise-altering trade during the season and struggled early, hovering around .500 in December due to injuries and disjointed play. However, the Cavaliers improved their record to 35-16 after Christmas to finish as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Cavaliers have blown a 22-point lead in Game 1 and lost Game 2 by 16 points against the Knicks. Mitchell organised a film session after a loss to Houston in December to help the team reset their mindset and energy. Key teammates including Dean Wade, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Sam Merrill have cited Mitchell’s vocal leadership and positivity as crucial to the team’s stability.

Only two teams in NBA history have rallied from multiple 2-0 deficits in the same playoffs, the 2020-21 LA Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks. The Cavaliers will need to leverage Mitchell’s steady guidance as they attempt to overcome the early series deficit.