During an interview with NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, Donovan Mitchell opened up about not being in the MVP conversation despite the Cleveland Cavaliers having the top record in the Eastern Conference.
The Cavaliers are 60-15 and Mitchell is averaging 24.0 points.
“I’m not shocked,” Mitchell said. “Because my numbers, my usage, is not as high. I came into the season understanding if we took this approach, that would be the sacrifice. Do I feel like I’m (part of that conversation)? Hell, yeah. But understanding I don’t have the ball in my hands every single possession. And look where we are because of that. That, to me, is going to translate to winning.”
Mitchell is averaging 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season while shooting 44.2% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 82.9% from the free-throw line.
With Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen leading the way, the Cavaliers are legitimate title contenders.
“You gotta be methodical, you gotta be tactical,” Mitchell said. “Some nights, it may be under 20 shots, how are we efficient? Am I getting guys open? And how am I being the leader that’s needed while also being aggressive. It’s a line you can find, for sure. It’s not easy. If it was easy, everybody would do it.”
The Cavaliers are first in the NBA in points per game and first in offensive rating.
With the playoffs almost here, Mitchell is feeling better than ever, which is great news for the Cavaliers.
“Best I’ve felt in my career, for real,” Mitchell said. “I’m dunking with two hands. Especially coming off last year with the knee injury. People were like, he lost (a step) because I was choosing not to dunk, to kind of rest myself. After the break (this year), I was like, ‘It’s time.’ I feel fresh enough when I do come down the lane I’m willing to go up there.”
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