Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers eliminated the Cavs 114-105 on their home court Tuesday. Cavs Gaurd Donovan Mitchell scored 35 pts, 9 rebounds, 4 3-pointers, and 4 steals to lead his team. The Cleveland Cavaliers finished the NBA regular season with 64 wins clinching the 1 seed in the East for the 2025 playoffs. The Cavs on Tuesday could not match the Pacers’ game tempo and physicality on the floor for most of the game. If anyone had the pleasure of tuning into last night’s game, I’m sure they’d agree the Cavaliers’ performance supports my displeasure with the NBA. 

The lack of urgency and consistency from the Cavs is appalling during the playoffs. Notable players on the Cavs such as Darius Garland who played 33 minutes and only scored 11 points are a major issue. Cavs Forward Deandre Hopkins played 30 minutes and scored 12 points. Forward Max Strus provided a whopping 0 points in 26 minutes, a forgetful and tarnishing game I’m sure. Cavs player Evan Mobley supplied 24 points and 11 rebounds in 37 minutes. Despite the efforts from the Cavs starting 5 it was not enough to overcome the Pacers in a crucial win or lose game 5. 

Donovan Mitchell is a great player but he is 0-4 in NBA Semi-Finals. Micthell’s 35 points against the Pacers was a valiant effort but his antics of purposely falling on the floor after every shot were tiring. Mitchell missed the second half of game 4 against the Pacers due to an ankle injury. Logic would dictate a player who is highly injury-prone in his career not intentionally fall on the hardwood floor but Micthell sees no issue in that regard. Throughout game 5 Mitchell appeared bothered and tired after attempting a shot, physically ailing. Despite the theatrical performance on the floor, Mitchell’s stamina and endurance continue to be an issue during the playoffs in his career. 

As leader of the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell’s greatness seems to end once again during the NBA playoffs. This notorious downfall by Mitchell may reveal an absence of physical and mental preparation in highly competitive action. Mitchell’s regular season dominance can no longer define his reputation for the sport. Although Mitchell did score 35 points in game 5, his field goal percentage was 32%. 13 of Mitchell’s 35 points were in the 1st quarter. As a team, the Cavaliers shot 38% against Indiana’s 50% field goal mark, a drastic difference. 

In the 4th quarter of game 5, Mitchell appeared to have reinjured his ankle despite walking away to the team locker room without help or significant limp. After returning to action, Mitchell’s energy level remained unchanged, putting up contested and low-percentage shots. The Cavs were tied with the Pacers in the 4th with less than 2 minutes remaining, yet somehow they could not find a way to close it out. Mitchell missed 3 free throws with 1 minute remaining in regulation, although he made a 3 pointer shortly after. Unfortunately, it was not enough due to Micthell’s continuously falling after a shot and leaving his teammates a man short on defense. 

Fans of the NBA are not watching their favorite players participate in a competitive sport. Adam Silver’s version of the Association has created a shallow cast of a once-great sport. The quality of true competitors currently in the NBA is few. It seems only a special group of players such as Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Shai Gilgeous Alexander, and Jaylen Brunson understand the importance of winning in crucial moments. I believe Donovan Mitchell can reach new levels of consistency and he must obtain a championship. For the time being, however, Donovan Mitchell is another poser in the NBA, a talented regular-season all-star player.