Donovan Mitchell put blame on himself after his off night led to the Cleveland Cavaliers suffering a 123-112 loss to the Phoneix Suns.
This was the Cavs’ fourth straight defeat after they went 16 games unbeaten, but despite their recent disappointment’s the team are on top of the Eastern Conference.
Donovan Mitchell only managed to score seven points and struggled to shot as he went 2-18 from the field.
Darius Garland and Evan Mobley combined for 34 points, but led by Kevin Durant, the Suns just did enough to grab the win on the night.
The recent run of losses has meant the Cleveland Cavaliers now do not have the best record in the league, but they are still looking like contenders due to the depth of talent they have.
Post the game against the Suns, Cavs guard Mitchell seemed visibly frustrated with his individual performance and took responsibility for the defeat.
Mitchell has had a stellar season, averaging 23.8 PPG, but even he has struggled shooting the ball in the Cavs’ four game losing streak.
Speaking after the loss against the Suns, Mitchell said: “I’m gonna put this on me, when your leader ain’t doing s***, this is what happens.
“Yeah we have to guard better and rebound and like that, but if I’m not being who I need to be, then we not gonna get to where we get to.”
Mitchell believes his performance reflects on the result and stated he has to be better.
“It’s been like this for the past four games and we’ve lost four straight.
“I have to be better, simple as that. You can point to different things like, KD having 30 whatever, f*** all that.
“I have to better for the group, I have been good for the group all year, this is what I mean,” he added.
Mitchell has been a player that has consistently performed well in the playoffs.
He averaged 29.6 PPPG in the playoffs last season and that is exactly what the team will be expecting from him this time around as well.
His ability to elevate in the postseason is what separates him from other players and this season with the kind of performance the Cavs have been showcasing, they could make it out of the East.
His leadership has been elite and with the likes of Evan Mobley, who is having a sensational season and Jarrett Allen, Cavs have one of the most talented starting lineups in the NBA.
With all things looking aligned for the Cavs, the pressure will be on Mitchell to lead the team to playoff glory.
The Boston Celtics do pose a challenge for them, but the Cavs now have experience of being in the postseason and if Mitchell performs the way he has in previous postseasons, they could topple the reigning champions.
