Donovan Mitchell stands by Cavs: ‘We can’t sit here and overreact’

November 13, 2026

Donovan Mitchell knows what people say about the Cavs. He also knows what he signed up for.

Mitchell told ESPN’s Jamal Collier that he still believes in the group, even after last spring’s playoff disappointment and a 6-6 start to this season.

Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers, Cavs, NBA — AP

“There’s a lot of belief in this group,” Mitchell said. “And the way that we have been able to battle through some adversity and continue to get better and better.”

He backed that belief with a four-year, $273 million extension this summer. As Collier relayed, Mitchell could have waited until next summer to earn an additional $80 million. Instead, he wanted to commit and keep his contract from hanging over the season.

“When doubt lingers in an organization, it’s not great,” coach Kenny Atkinson told ESPN. “Everybody’s just unsettled. So, the fact that Don locked it up, that was huge.”

Of course, Mitchell’s commitment comes with expectations. The Cavs reached the conference finals last spring, then were swept by the Knicks. Mitchell appreciates the progress. He’s also clear about how much it counts.

“In the moment it kind of leaves a sour taste in your mouth,” he said. “But as you sit … you have to realize, OK, you’ve done something you haven’t done before. OK. Now that’s great, but I wouldn’t call it an accomplishment. I would just call it a step.”

That’s a fair way to describe it. The Cavs went further. They also got a pretty clear look at how much further they needed to go.

Mitchell pointed to the Knicks’ own playoff setbacks before their championship as a reason to stay with it. He understands the calls for trades and coaching changes. He also understands that winning teams often hear those same calls along the way.

“I’m not saying we’re guaranteed to win, but it’s just how it’s been,” Mitchell said. “So we can’t sit here and overreact to s— just because everybody else thinks you should.”

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