For the first time in the marathon that is the NBA season, the Cleveland Cavaliers are struggling.
They lost 123-112 to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night which marked the team's fourth consecutive defeat.
When you are as successful as the Cavs have been this season, there is destined to be detractors.
The haters have been crawling out of the woodwork during Cleveland's losing streak and Donovan Mitchell is their latest target.
The All-Star guard struggled mightily against Phoenix, shooting an abysmal 2-18 from the field and missing all eight of his three-point attempts.
Mitchell knows that doubt and criticism comes with the territory, and he is embracing the challenge and spotlight.
© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images © Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
During his post game media availability, Mitchell stated that he knows a brighter lens will be shined on the losing streak because of the Cavs' historic season.
But he also knows that he's the catalyst of everything that happens in Cleveland and is taking all the blame for his team's recent struggles.
The former All-NBA guard got brutally honest with reporters, letting them know, "when your leader ain't doing s***, this is what happens," and to direct any potential finger pointing at him.
Mitchell figured that his teammates and coaches wouldn't accept him taking all the blame and he was exactly right.
His teammate, Evan Mobley, said he wasn't to blame for everything and even the team's best reporters were stunned by Mitchell's comments, questioning why he was being so hard on himself.
As the leader of the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference, the former Utah Jazz guard knows he must lead by example and take accountability.
He's struggled mightily over Cleveland's four-game skid and hopes that the team can get back on track once he's able to improve his play.
Amidst the most tumultuous point in the Cavaliers' season, they still sit atop the East with a 56-14 record and control their own destiny.
They've entered treacherous waters but there's still more than enough time to make a turnaround.
The team remains steadfast in their belief that the adversity is coming at just the right time.
With just less than a month until the playoffs begin, there is just enough time for the Cavs to weather the storm, recalibrate to the elite team they've been all season, and channel everything they've learned and overcome during the postseason.
Related: Donovan Mitchell's Shocking Reaction to Cavs Losing Streak
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This story was originally published March 22, 2025 at 8:54 AM.
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