The Cleveland Cavaliers' season has abruptly come to an end. The Cavaliers were the No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference and were eliminated by their division rival, the Indiana Pacers, in five games.
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Many thought the series would go differently, but the Pacers proved to be the deeper, more physical, and healthier team in this series. The Cavaliers have now failed to take the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive season and last went in 2018, when LeBron James led them.
The Cavaliers have a lot to think about now as they look for better results next season. The loss is still fresh on their minds, including that of Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell spoke to the media on Wednesday and admitted that he had not been to sleep yet, but he had watched the game back twice.
Mitchell also added that he feels 'embarrassed' and hopes the rest of the team feels the same way.
"The embarrassment, I hope we all feel it," said Mitchell.
The 28-year-old All-Star did his part to keep their season alive. In Game 5, Mitchell recorded 35 points to lead the game on 8-of-25 shooting from the field, nine rebounds, one assist and four steals in 38 minutes of action.
In the series, Mitchell averaged 34.2 points per game, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.2 steals while shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 24.5 percent from three in 33.0 minutes of action.
After the game on Tuesday, the New York native let his emotions take over at the podium.
"I just couldn't believe it," Mitchell said. "Didn't want to believe it. Don't want to believe it. Still don't want to believe it."
"I love playing in that f---ing arena," Mitchell added. "That energy, that crowd. We were 0-3 at home, let the city down. This place is special. This place is really special and we didn't get it done."
The page will now turn into the next season, as Mitchell will earn $50 million on an estimated contract. He just finished his third season in Cleveland.
"I'll go to bat for every guy in that locker room," Mitchell said. "Winning is not easy. Some things have to go right. You got to play well, got to capitalize on opportunities. ... We have a window with this group, I believe in everybody in here, we believe in each other. That's what sucks, we're a good team. And for five games ... we didn't show what we're capable of. And ultimately, that's what we're judged on.
"So get in the gym, weight room, nutrition, whatever it is, and get back at it. Because y'all are going to write us the f--- off man. We'll be back. Let the city down, let each other down. But we'll be back."
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This story was originally published May 14, 2025 at 1:56 PM.