Donovan Mitchell, James Harden struggle vs Raptors, must lead Cavs rebound
The Cavs' new-look backcourt duo was dynamic in Games 1 and 2, but came up short in 3 and 4. Now, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden must rebound.
TORONTO — Cavaliers star guards Donovan Mitchell and James Harden began their playoff tenure together on a high note, as Cleveland's new-look duo appeared to be a dynamic fit in Games 1 and 2 . But at least to this point, none of that chemistry traveled North of the border. While the Cavs rely on several key pieces to the lineup and rotation, Mitchell and Harden are the engine that drives Cleveland's playoff chances, especially on the offensive end of the floor.
The Cavs needed a work-of-art masterpiece from their backcourt tandem. The picture they got in Games 3 and 4 wouldn't even be worthy of pinning to the fridge at home. The Cavaliers struggled through a disastrous offensive performance in their Game 4 loss April 26, which tied the series 2-2 leading into a now-crucial Game 5 at Rocket Arena on April 29.
Donovan Mitchell, James Harden playoff stats Mitchell hit only six of his 24 shot attempts, a near-impossible reality for one of the top 10 scorers in the league. He also committed four turnovers and was involved in a devastatingly important 8-second violation in the final 40 seconds, which happened to be the last time the Cavs would hold the lead. Mitchell went on to miss a floater and a 3-point attempt the rest of the way.
"[The offensive flow] was there [in Games] 1 and 2. It's not like it hasn't been there before, right? " Mitchell said.