Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell was an image of misery when he talked to reporters after losing to the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of their second-round series, 114-105, on Tuesday.
The top-seeded Cavaliers got eliminated by the fourth-seeded Pacers, ending what had been their best campaign in recent years.
For what it's worth, Mitchell, who injured his ankle in Game 4, didn't go down without a fight. He finished with a game-high 35 points, nine rebounds and four steals. He, however, shot poorly from the field at 8-of-25.
His valiant effort wasn't enough to fend off the Pacers, as the Cavaliers failed to win in their three games at home. Mitchell didn't hide his disappointment and acknowledged the harsh reality in the NBA.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
"It's tough to win in this league," said the six-time All-Star in the postgame conference. "Give them (Pacers) credit. We didn't do the things necessary (to win)."
"Winning is tough. You gotta be damn near willing to die out there on the floor. Not to say we weren't. But for a full 48 minutes on a consistent basis, you gotta be that desperate. You can't have little mistakes."
He then held himself accountable for several miscues, which he felt contributed to their loss.
"I can't get a steal and get momentum, go behind my back knowing someone's behind me and lose the ball and then give the ball right back to them (Pacers).
"Tyrese (Haliburton) has hit four threes, I cannot switch up, he hits a (expletive) three from the logo. It changes the game. I can't miss three free throws."
Cleveland built a double-digit lead in the first half but allowed Indiana to claw back behind Haliburton's hot shooting. He tallied 31 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 6-of-10 from beyond the arc.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, shot a woeful 38.9% from the field, including 9-of-35 from long distance.