<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/cavaliers-news-donovan-mitchell-path-lebron-james-level-starts-reaching-nba-finals');   ga('set', 'title', 'Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell says path to LeBron James’ level starts with reaching NBA Finals');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Donovan-Mitchell-45-controls-the-ball-against-Los-Angeles-Lakers-forward-LeBron-James-23.jpg"><figcaption>© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell says path to LeBron James’ level starts with reaching NBA Finals</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-09T13:08:12-07:00">October 9th, 1:08pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-09T13:08:12-07:00">October 9th, 1:08pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Cleveland Cavaliers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>As the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare for the 2025-26 season opener on October 22 at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell is setting a clear goal for the next phase of his career. In a recent appearance on the Network podcast with Rich Kleiman, Mitchell said that reaching the NBA Finals is the next major step toward being viewed in the same class as former Cavaliers superstar LeBron James.</p><p>Mitchell, who is entering his fourth full season with Cleveland, spoke candidly about the public perception of his career trajectory. Despite a resume that includes multiple All-Star selections and leading Cleveland to a 64-win season in 2024-25, the 27-year-old believes postseason success — specifically advancing beyond the second round — is essential to shifting the narrative around him.</p><p>“I feel like I’m there 1,000%,” Mitchell said. “But I think for me to be perceived in that space, gotta get to the conference finals. Gotta get to the Finals. Honestly, just past the second round.”</p><p>Mitchell acknowledged that while the lack of a deep playoff run has been frustrating, he views it as a challenge he is determined to meet. He emphasized that the motivation is personal as well as professional.</p><p>“I’m gonna go out there and work my butt off every day, not just for the people, for myself,” he said.</p><h2><b>Donovan Mitchell says leading Cavs to Finals is key to being viewed on LeBron James’ level</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Donovan-Mitchell-45-drives-to-the-basket-against-Los-Angeles-Lakers-forward-LeBron-James-23.jpg"><figcaption>© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Cavaliers were eliminated in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, despite entering the postseason as the No. 1 seed in the East. Cleveland led the league in scoring and posted a franchise-best 64-18 regular-season record, but failed to advance past the second round for the second straight year.</p><p>Mitchell also addressed the broader goals of the team, pointing out that success in May and June lifts every aspect of the organization.</p><p>“I tell people all the time… you play in May and June, everything takes care of itself,” Mitchell said. “This isn’t a Donovan thing… we all get there, everybody’s life changes.”</p><p>He noted that Cleveland’s recent success has already translated into growth opportunities across the franchise. According to Mitchell, six members of the coaching staff have secured better jobs since last season, reflecting the team’s winning culture—even in the absence of a deep playoff run.</p><p>“Like, there’s so many different guys on our staff who have left to go pursue other jobs because they’re like, ‘Oh, the Cavs won… we want part of that winning environment,’” he said.</p><p>As the 2025-26 season approaches, Cleveland’s focus remains on elevating its postseason results. With a strengthened roster that now includes veteran guard Lonzo Ball and the return of forward Larry Nance Jr., Mitchell and the Cavaliers are aiming to turn regular-season dominance into a legitimate Finals run.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell says path to LeBron James’ level starts with reaching NBA Finals

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/cavaliers-news-donovan-mitchell-details-lonzo-balls-impact-off-bench');   ga('set', 'title', 'Donovan Mitchell details Lonzo Ball’s impact on Cavs’ bench');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cavaliers-news-Donovan-Mitchell-details-Lonzo-Balls-impact-off-bench.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>Donovan Mitchell details Lonzo Ball’s impact on Cavs’ bench</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-09T12:43:18-07:00">October 9th, 12:43pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-09T12:43:18-07:00">October 9th, 12:43pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Cleveland Cavaliers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>With the 2025-26 NBA season set to tip off in two weeks, Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7QDFpnVnno&amp;list=PLtAg01865jDeMJsk9i2YeR-fFubOT8ajW&amp;index=2" rel="noopener">offered insight</a> into the team’s <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/lonzo-ball-isaac-okoro-trade-essential-cavs-bulls-kenny-atkinson-billy-donovan">offseason addition of Lonzo Ball</a> and the role the veteran guard is expected to play.</p><p>Appearing on the latest episode of Network with Rich Kleiman, Mitchell reflected on Ball’s career arc, defensive impact, and ability to elevate the Cavaliers’ second unit. Both players were drafted in 2017 and have followed parallel paths in the league, though Ball’s recent seasons were marred by injury. Now healthy, Ball joins a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/cavs-news-kenny-atkinson-coach-of-the-year-historic-64-win-season">Cleveland squad coming off a 64-win season</a> and looking to strengthen its depth ahead of the regular season opener against the New York Knicks on October 22 at Madison Square Garden.</p><p>“He’s a guy that we got drafted together, same class – you look at especially when he was healthy, what he was doing in Chicago,” Mitchell said. “Quick outlets. He’s a defender. His three ball has gotten better. He just is a leader on that floor.”</p><p>Ball is expected to back up starting point guard Darius Garland and serve as the primary facilitator for the Cavaliers’ second unit. His presence could stabilize the offense when the starters rest and offer defensive intensity on the perimeter.</p><p>“He’s obviously playing back up to DG and when he’s in that second unit just being able to facilitate, get guys easy looks,” Mitchell added. “Now on the defensive end. He’s a pest, man. He’s all over the ball. And you got Evan [Mobley] and [Jarrett Allen] behind you, man, that definitely. It feels different for sure.”</p><h2>Donovan Mitchell discusses Lonzo Ball’s role with Cavaliers entering 2025-26 season</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lonzo-Ball-talks-to-Chicago-Bulls-Head-Coach-Billy-Donovan-during-the-first-half-at-Rocket-Arena.jpg"><figcaption>Ken Blaze-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Ball, 27, returned last season with the Chicago Bulls after missing two full years due to knee issues. He averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 22.2 minutes per game across 35 appearances. While not matching the production of his peak years, Ball’s court vision and defensive effort remained intact.</p><p>His most productive season came in 2021-22 with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he averaged 14.6 points, 5.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while shooting 37.8% from three over 55 games.</p><p>Mitchell also commented on the shifting landscape of the Eastern Conference ahead of the new season. Injuries to key stars have altered the hierarchy, with Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton both suffering torn Achilles tendons. Mitchell acknowledged the uncertainty and opportunity these developments present.</p><p>“Yeah, it’s wild and you have been longer than I have – you’ve seen it, like this everything changes,” Mitchell said. “The team that won the Eastern Conference Finals, they’ve lost Myles [Turner], obviously Tyrese… JT… he’s out. Boston shopping some guys around… the dynamics are going to change.”</p><p>As the Cavaliers prepare for their opener in New York on national television, Ball’s role off the bench could be a significant factor in Cleveland’s push for a deeper playoff run in the 2025-26 campaign.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Donovan Mitchell details Lonzo Ball’s impact on Cavs’ bench

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/news/cavs-news-donovan-mitchell-gets-real-love-hate-relationship-playing-rick-pitino');   ga('set', 'title', 'Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell gets real on love-hate relationship playing for Rick Pitino');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.cavsnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cavs-All-Star-Donovan-Mitchell.jpg"><figcaption>Jason Getz-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell gets real on love-hate relationship playing for Rick Pitino</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-09T12:01:10-07:00">October 9th, 12:01pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-09T12:01:10-07:00">October 9th, 12:01pm</time><address><a>Josue Pavon</a>Josue Pavon is an Associate Editor for ClutchPoints and Cavs Nation, as well as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer for ClutchPoints.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Cavs News</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Ahead of a season where the Cleveland <a href="https://cavsnation.com/news/cavs-news-viewed-east-favorites-nba-personnel">Cavs are projected to reach the NBA Finals</a>, All-Star Donovan Mitchell, looked back on his collegiate career at Louisville, playing for head coach Rick Pitino. The six-time All-Star who was selected 13th overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2017 NBA Draft, recalled a bittersweet experience with the NCAA men’s basketball head coach.</p><p>Mitchell revealed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uRft9Z-LEE&amp;t=1372s" rel="noopener">what it was like</a> playing for Pitino at Louisville, per Broadroom.</p><p>“I tell people all the time, I have to be careful when I say this. They were the worst two years, but the best two years of my life. I think I was always a dog,” Mitchell said. “I was always hungry, but there’s like another level, like another button to be pushed, and that man is the master of finding whatever that is and pushing it, and pushing it. And before I got in there, he had a lot of guys transfer because some guys just weren’t. I wasn’t going to stop. He was crazy, I tell everybody.”</p><p>Rick Pitino left Louisville after a scandal involving a bribery, and went to Iona and now St. Johns where he’s completely turned their program around.</p><h2><b>Cavs predicted to win the Eastern Conference</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.cavsnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cavs-All-Stars-Donovan-Mitchell-Darius-Garland-Evan-Mobley.jpg"><figcaption>Ken Blaze-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>After injuries derailed a talented Cavs team that dominated the regular season from reaching it full potential in the postseason, 2025-26 is viewed by many to be their year to push through back-to-back second-round exits. Heading into the upcoming season, the <a href="https://cavsnation.com/news/cavs-news-cleveland-predicted-win-eastern-conference">Cavs are predicted to win the Eastern Conference</a>.</p><p>Led by three All-Stars in Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Defensive Player of the Year, Evan Mobley, the Cavs, with the Knicks as a close second-favorite, are expected to make an NBA Finals appearance in 2026, as noted from ESPN’s Tim Bontemps <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46337909/nba-offseason-survey-best-worst-summer-deals-lebron-finals-picks" rel="noopener">in a recent survey</a>.</p><p>“While no one was picked to win the title out of the East, virtually everyone struggled to come up with a team they felt good enough about to come out of the conference,” Bontemps wrote. “For some, it was because they felt the Knicks and Cavs were evenly matched. Some went with New York because of its toughness and depth, while others went with Cleveland because of its perceived higher top-end talent and better defensive versatility, led by reigning DPOY Evan Mobley.”</p><p>The Cavs will face the Bulls in a preseason matchup on Thursday.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell gets real on love-hate relationship playing for Rick Pitino

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/donovan-mitchell-bold-predictions-2025-26-cavs-season');   ga('set', 'title', '3 Donovan Mitchell bold predictions for 2025-26 Cavs season');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Donovan-Mitchell.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>3 Donovan Mitchell bold predictions for 2025-26 Cavs season</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-01T09:16:59-07:00">October 1st, 9:16am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-01T09:16:59-07:00">October 1st, 9:16am</time><address><a>Rohan Brahmbhatt</a>Rohan Brahmbhatt is an adventure-driven sports writer, passionate footballer, mountaineer, and photojournalist. Rohan blends firsthand experience with storytelling—capturing the intensity of sport and the thrill of exploration. Whether on the field, a mountain trail, or behind the lens, he brings authentic, high-energy narratives that connect readers to the heart of the action.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Cleveland Cavaliers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/cleveland-cavaliers-2025-26-season-predictions-nba-schedule-release">Cleveland Cavaliers enter the 2025-26 NBA season</a> with both promise and pressure, and no one embodies that duality more than Donovan Mitchell. The star guard has established himself as one of the league’s most dangerous scorers, and despite nagging injuries in last season’s playoffs, he once again demonstrated his elite ability to carry a team on the biggest stage. His 34.2 points per game against the Indiana Pacers during the Cavaliers’ playoff run showed the world that when healthy, Mitchell can dominate any defense in front of him. Yet for all of his brilliance, the series ended in disappointment, with Cleveland eliminated far earlier than they had hoped.</p><p>That frustration has carried over into training camp, where both Mitchell and his teammates are looking for ways to translate regular-season dominance into postseason breakthroughs. Mitchell’s career thus far has been defined by consistent offensive excellence but a lack of deep playoff success. Across eight straight postseason appearances, he has never advanced past the second round despite averaging 28.3 points in the playoffs, the seventh-highest mark in league history. That stat alone makes him one of the most prolific scorers under the brightest lights, but it also highlights the urgency for him and the Cavaliers to take the next step.</p><p>With minimal roster turnover this offseason <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/chicago-bulls/chicago-bulls-grade-lonzo-ball-isaac-okoro-trade">which saw them bring in Lonzo Ball</a>, Cleveland is largely betting that continuity, health, and growth from within can fuel another push toward contention. For Mitchell, that means carrying even more responsibility as both a scorer and a leader. Looking ahead, here are three bold predictions for what his 2025-26 season might look like.</p><h2><b>Donovan Mitchell will lead Cavaliers in scoring, push career-high averages</b></h2><p>For years, Donovan Mitchell has been one of the NBA’s most consistent 25-to-28-point scorers, never falling below 20 points per game since entering the league with Utah in 2017. His career regular-season average of <a href="https://www.espn.in/nba/player/stats/_/id/3908809/donovan-mitchell" rel="noopener">24.7 points</a> per game and career playoff average of 28.3 points per game showcase his reliability, but also raise the question of whether he has another level to unlock. This season, that opportunity is in front of him.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Donovan Mitchell on January 3, 2023:</p><p>– 71 Points<br>– 11 Assists<br>– 8 Rebounds<br>– 22/34 FG </p><p>One of the greatest scoring performances of all time 🍿 <a href="https://t.co/wyeBJ17g1v">pic.twitter.com/wyeBJ17g1v</a></p><p>— Playoff Basketball (@playoffnba_) <a href="https://twitter.com/playoffnba_/status/1973021057553690728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The Cavaliers did not make significant moves in free agency, meaning the offense remains built around Mitchell’s shot creation. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/cavs-news-darius-garland-max-strus-positive-injury-updates-provide-hope-media-day">Darius Garland is easing back into camp</a> with limited, non-contact work, and while he remains an elite facilitator when fully healthy, it’s unclear how quickly he will return to his All-Star form. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/cavs-news-training-camp-observations-evan-mobley-deandre-hunter">Evan Mobley continues to make strides</a> as a two-way cornerstone, but his scoring development is still a work in progress. That leaves Mitchell as the clear focal point of the offense, and if he can maintain health, he has every chance to raise his scoring average to new heights.</p><p>Mitchell already showed flashes of what that could look like in last year’s playoffs, when even on an injured ankle, he nearly willed the Cavaliers to victory. He took over games with his pull-up shooting, relentless drives to the rim, and improved playmaking vision. If he can replicate that production across a full regular season, it would not be surprising to see him push closer to 30 points per game, which would not only set a new career-high but also place him firmly in the conversation as one of the league’s most unstoppable scorers.</p><h2><b>Mitchell will re-insert himself into the MVP conversation</b></h2><p>Although Mitchell has long been respected as one of the NBA’s premier guards, he has rarely been considered in the top tier of MVP candidates. That is less a reflection of his talent and more a result of team success and timing. His Utah Jazz teams, while strong, faltered in the playoffs, and his Cavaliers have been impressive but inconsistent as contenders. This year, however, could finally be the season that changes the narrative.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Donovan Mitchell locked in at the gym.</p><p>His work ethic is unmatched man<a href="https://t.co/IKbb9u1fuE">pic.twitter.com/IKbb9u1fuE</a></p><p>— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoodiGarland/status/1968365255245082684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>For one, the Eastern Conference is wide open. Several rivals are facing uncertainty, whether it’s through injuries, roster changes, or declining depth. This gives <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/cavs-news-cleveland-projected-to-finish-with-no-1-seed-in-east-again">Cleveland a window to replicate</a> last season’s dominance, particularly if Mitchell can deliver the type of scoring surge that could keep them in the top three in the East. Team success is a prerequisite for MVP candidacy, and Mitchell’s leadership will be critical in ensuring that the Cavaliers meet those standards.</p><p>Statistically, Mitchell already possesses the offensive profile of an MVP candidate. His blend of high-volume scoring with efficiency, 46.2 percent from the field and nearly 37 percent from three-point range in 2023-24, mirrors the production of other guards who have entered the race in recent seasons. What he needs is the narrative, and after last year’s bitter playoff exit, the stage is set for him to deliver a redemption season that could elevate his reputation league-wide. If Mitchell can pair a career-best scoring season with a Cavaliers team that challenges for home-court advantage, his name will undoubtedly surface in MVP debates.</p><h2><b>Mitchell will finally push the Cavaliers beyond the second round</b></h2><p>No prediction for Donovan Mitchell’s season would be complete without addressing his postseason resume. Despite his brilliance, his career has been defined by early playoff exits. That isn’t entirely his fault: injuries to teammates, tough matchups, and the limitations of prior rosters have all played a role, but until he breaks through, that narrative will continue to linger. This season could finally mark the turning point.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">One of the most clutch players in the game, Mr. Donovan Mitchell <a href="https://t.co/zT1IGO4Wgb">pic.twitter.com/zT1IGO4Wgb</a></p><p>— ً ً (@clutchupspida) <a href="https://twitter.com/clutchupspida/status/1972141229074010254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The Cavaliers’ lack of major offseason moves may appear uninspiring on paper, but continuity can be a strength when harnessed properly. Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, and Jarrett Allen have now had multiple years together, and that experience matters. Mitchell has consistently been a playoff performer, and his 28.3 postseason points per game are proof of his ability to deliver under pressure. The key lies in his supporting cast being healthy and consistent enough to help him shoulder the load deep into May.</p><p>Cleveland’s devastating loss to the Pacers last season was a painful reminder of how fragile playoff success can be, but it also served as fuel. Mitchell himself acknowledged that the Cavaliers failed to capitalize on their opportunities and that they will be written off by many this year.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

3 Donovan Mitchell bold predictions for 2025-26 Cavs season

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/celebrity/cavs-donovan-mitchell-gushes-over-coco-jones-works-just-as-hard-as-we-do');   ga('set', 'title', 'Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell gushes over Coco Jones, ‘works just as hard as we do’');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Cavs-Donovan-Mitchell-gushes-over-Coco-Jones-works-just-as-hard-as-we-do.jpg"></figure><h1>Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell gushes over Coco Jones, ‘works just as hard as we do’</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-30T10:27:19-07:00">September 30th, 10:27am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-30T10:27:19-07:00">September 30th, 10:27am</time><address><a href="http://designsux.com">Burtland Dixon</a>As an avid enthusiast of entertainment, Burtland Dixon is a passionate individual who revels in the magic of movies, sports, music, and pop culture. Whether it's catching the latest blockbuster, watching the marquee matchup of the week, attending live concerts, or getting immersed in the world of gaming, Burtland finds joy in all forms of entertainment.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Celebrity</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Donovan Mitchell didn’t hold back when asked about his fiancée, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/celebrity/donovan-mitchells-fiancee-coco-jones-wraps-tour-with-stellar-european-closing-show">Coco Jones, at the</a> Cleveland Cavaliers’ media day. The 29-year-old guard <a href="https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/coco-jones-donovan-mitchell/" rel="noopener">praised the singer not just as a partner</a>, but as someone whose dedication matches his own, per Essence.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Donovan Mitchell to Coco Jones:</p><p>“That’s my dawg. I love her to death. She’s amazing. She’s an amazing human-being. She brings me peace….. She is a special human and you see it in her work. To be able to call her my fiancée, my wife, is a blessing. I’m grateful.” <a href="https://t.co/zVd4fDclsj">pic.twitter.com/zVd4fDclsj</a></p><p>— Dylan🔮🪼 (@dillybar2145__) <a href="https://twitter.com/dillybar2145__/status/1972700214558433427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>“Man, that’s my dog. I love her to death,” Mitchell said with a wide smile. “She’s an amazing human being. She brings me peace.” He added that during the offseason, he got to spend time with her while she was on her “Why Not More?” tour, which wrapped earlier this month. What stood out most was her relentless grind. “She travels and works just as hard as we do,” he explained, noting late nights on the bus where she was still rehearsing and planning.</p><p>Mitchell, heading into another season with Cleveland, called it a blessing to share life with her. “She’s a special human and you see it in her work, and to be able to call her my fiancée, my wife, is a blessing. So, I’m grateful,” he said.</p><h2><b>A private love story, now in the spotlight</b></h2><p>The couple announced their engagement on July 1 after keeping their romance largely under wraps. Coco posted a picture showing off her ring, while Mitchell shared the same shot alongside a breathtaking aerial view of his proposal. In a joint statement, their rep confirmed the news, calling it the perfect cap to an incredible year for both.</p><p>“After an amazing season and a sold-out tour, Donovan Mitchell and Coco Jones took a moment to recharge on vacation, which turned it into a beautiful engagement,” the announcement said. The two have been together for two years and now look forward to building a future side by side.</p><p>For much of that time, Coco avoided questions about her relationship. In April, she told The Breakfast Club simply, “I’m happy, and that’s all I got to say about it.” That privacy aligns with Method Man’s own long-term advice for love: “Don’t talk about it.” With the way Donovan and Coco are moving, it looks like they’re taking that wisdom to heart while still letting the world see their joy.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell gushes over Coco Jones, ‘works just as hard as we do’

Ja Morant

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