The New York Knicks wrapped things up in Game 5 of the first round and sent the Cleveland Cavaliers home.
Considering the Cavaliers were the higher seed, it was certainly shocking to see them get eliminated in just five games. Following the early exit from the playoffs, Donovan Mitchell shared his emotions about losing to the Knicks in the postseason.
“We did a lot of special things this year, but for it to end this way doesn’t feel right,” Mitchell said. “I’m proud of every one of those guys in this locker room, the coaching staff, and everybody, but they outplayed us. Gotta give credit where credit is due. Simple as that.”
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In his first season with the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell led the team to the fourth seed in the East with a 51-31 record. Considering the Cavs have struggled in the league since LeBron James’ departure in 2018, many expected the franchise to do great things this postseason.
Unfortunately, those hopes were ruined by the New York Knicks. Mitchell was linked to the Knicks all summer, but he ended up getting traded to the Cavs. So, it’s certainly ironic for Mitchell’s team to be eliminated by the Knicks in the opening round of the playoffs.
Donovan Mitchell Wanted To Play Against The Knicks In The Playoffs
Donovan Mitchell is from New York, and playing against the Knicks in the playoffs was a dream come true for the 26-year-old.
So much so that he even talked about the matchup ahead of the postseason. His wish was fulfilled, but it ruined his first playoffs as a member of the Cavaliers.
“It’s full circle. You wouldn’t want it any other way. What kid wouldn’t want to play against his hometown team in the playoffs?” Mitchell said. “I think for me, I wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s a storybook ending — it’s not ending, but it’s a storyline. Something that’s really special and near and dear to me, being able to play in a playoff game in front of my friends and family, the team that I grew up watching.”
While Mitchell has shown nothing but love for the Knicks, fans of the franchise haven’t been kind to him. Mitchell was heavily trolled by the fanbase when the Knicks took a 3-1 lead over the Cavs.
Mitchell averaged 23.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 7.2 APG in five games vs. the Knicks. He shot 43.3% from the field but was held to just 28.9% from downtown.
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