Despite a 6‑6 start, Mitchell still believes the Cavs have championship chops, ESPN’s Jamal Collier reports. The team endured a double‑digit defeat at Charlotte on Monday, then bounced back to topple the defending champs at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.
Can a lineup built around two scoring guards and two rim protectors ever hit its ceiling? For my money, that mix could finally push Cleveland over the hump. The Cavs have a playoff disappointment streak since Mitchell arrived in 2022, and although they reached the conference finals last season, they were swept by New York without much resistance.
“There’s a lot of belief in this group,” Mitchell said. “We’ve battled adversity and kept improving.”
Mitchell locked in a four‑year, $273 million deal this summer, forgoing a potential $80 million payday by waiting another year, Collier notes. He’s repeatedly said he wants to remain in Cleveland and keep contract chatter off the court.
“When doubt lingers in an organization, it’s not great,” coach Kenny Atkinson warned. “Everyone feels unsettled, so securing Don was huge—a sigh of relief. Knowing you have your leader speeds up stability and progress.”
There’s more from the Central Division:
- Pistons guard Cade Cunningham erupted for 52 points, 11 assists and zero turnovers in Thursday’s double‑overtime win at Washington. ESPN notes he’s the first player since at least 1978 to log 50‑plus points and 10 assists without a turnover. “That’s the best game of my NBA career,” he declared.
- Pacers center Ivica Zubac is polishing a three‑point shot but isn’t ready to use it in games yet, Indianapolis Star’s Dustin Dopirak reports. “I won’t set a timeline,” Zubac said. “I practice daily, feel more comfortable, yet still not confident enough to launch them in a contest. Reps boost my confidence. Will his range finally open up next season?”