The Cavs aren’t going anywhere if Donovan Mitchell can’t get to the basket

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 3: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the game against the Toronto Raptors during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 3, 2026 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images Donovan Mitchell wasn’t happy with his lack of trips to the line after having just two free-throw attempts in the Cleveland Cavaliers ’ Game 1 loss to the Detroit Pistons .

“I’m just not getting the calls,” Mitchell said afterward . “I don’t know why. I don’t flop, maybe that’s why.

… It’s frustrating a little bit because I’m such a dynamic driver. ” Mitchell is a dynamic driver, or at least, he has been. For various reasons, he hasn’t been able to showcase that this postseason.

Through eight playoff games, Mitchell is taking just 22% of his shots in the restricted area ( 40th percentile ). For comparison, he attempted 24% of his shots there in the regular season ( 54th percentile ) and 30% there last postseason ( 74th percentile ). That’s a dramatic drop, and one we saw come into play in Game 1 against Detroit.