A Franchise-High Season Ends in Silence
Donovan Mitchell sat motionless on the bench, phone in hand, but his focus elsewhere. The Cleveland Cavaliers — owners of 64 wins and the No. 1 seed in the East — were out of the playoffs. Not with glory, but with disbelief.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” Mitchell said. “Didn’t want to believe it. Still don’t want to believe it.”
Cleveland’s 114-105 loss to Indiana in Game 5 sealed a shocking second-round exit. Despite an electric crowd and a season built on chemistry and dominance, the Cavaliers were swept at home by the Pacers — who now move on to the conference finals.
Home-Court Collapse and Rare History
The Pacers won all three games played in Cleveland, silencing a fanbase that had grown to believe this was the team’s year. According to ESPN Research, the Cavaliers are now just the fourth team in NBA history to win 64 or more regular-season games and not reach the conference finals.
“That energy, that crowd. We were 0-3 at home. Let the city down,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell’s Heavy Load
Donovan Mitchell gave everything he had. Despite re-aggravating a left ankle injury, he scored 35 in Game 5 and averaged 34.2 points in the series. But his 8-of-25 shooting night in the finale underscored the burden he carried.
He’s now reached the playoffs eight straight times — but never beyond the second round.
“Everybody’s going to write us off,” Mitchell said. “We’ve got to use this as motivation.”
Injuries and Missed Moments
Cleveland never found rhythm. Darius Garland missed two games and shot just 34% in the others. De’Andre Hunter and Evan Mobley played through pain. Mobley in particular faded late, scoring just 11 points across three fourth quarters.
“I don’t want to say that’s the reason,” said head coach Kenny Atkinson. “But the truth is, we didn’t get to the level we needed to.”
Atkinson, in his first season, led Cleveland to a franchise-best 15-0 start and three double-digit win streaks. But the playoffs told a different story — the Cavs were outpaced and outworked.
What’s Next?
Despite the shock, Mitchell reaffirmed his belief in the team.
“We have a window with this group. I believe in everybody in here. And we believe in each other. That’s why this hurts so much.”
The season ends, but the ambition doesn’t. The Cavaliers are built to contend. But this loss is a reminder — windows close fast in the NBA. And opportunity doesn’t wait.
