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Donovan Mitchell responds to tough Knicks loss with right mindset

By Jordanna Clark

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the fourth quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 15, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 101-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the fourth quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 15, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 101-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Donovan Mitchell’s 38 points weren’t enough for the Cavaliers to take Game 1 from the New York Knicks in Cleveland. Between New York’s bench advantage and domination on the boards, the Cavaliers didn’t have enough in their tank to overcome the pesky Knicks.

Although Jalen Brunson picked up his third foul early in the second quarter and left the game, the anticipated Brunson vs. Mitchell matchup happened in the fourth quarter. The two were going at it, but it was Brunson and New York who stood victorious when the final buzzer sounded.

The Knicks finished as the No. 5 seed in the East for a reason, but leading up to the start of the series, a lot of attention had been given to Mitchell’s No. 5 Cavaliers. Perhaps New York’s 101-97 win in Game 1 was enough to remind people that Cleveland isn’t guaranteed to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but Mitchell himself isn’t too worried.

"“This isn’t the end of the world,” Mitchell said. “It’s more people watching so you can lose one game at home and they can feel like the end of the world if you allow it. They came in there and took one from us, we’ve got to go get one right back. There’s no room to sit here and feel sorry or feel upset and get down. It’s one game. We will respond.”"

Donovan Mitchell says Cavaliers ‘will respond’ to Game 1 loss to Knicks

Saturday’s loss might’ve caused Donovan Mitchell to have a little bit of deja vu. It was Jalen Brunson and the Mavericks that handed the Jazz a first-round exit in last year’s playoffs, and it was Brunson that came up huge down the stretch for the Knicks in Game 1. There’s still plenty of basketball left to be played in the series, though, which is why Mitchell isn’t viewing the loss as the end of the world.

The Knicks’ win can’t be understated, though. It was the team’s first road playoff win in 24 years and going into Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and winning Game 1 puts New York in a good position. After Tuesday’s Game 2 in Cleveland, the Knicks will travel back to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4 this weekend.

Although New York has the 1-0 series lead, the Knicks need to brace for the Cavaliers’ response in Game 2. The last thing that Cleveland should want is to go to MSG down 0-2, but what a statement that would be for New York if that winds up happening.

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