Player Grades: Cavs vs Pistons Game 6 – Donovan Mitchell has to step up

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons during Round Two Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 15, 2026 at Rocket Arena 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 Nathaniel S.

Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images The Cleveland Cavaliers couldn’t close out their series with the Detroit Pistons. Now everything is on the line Sunday night. All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.

Donovan Mitchell 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers The Cavs are waiting for Mitchell to be a superhero again. He took a giant step backwards in the last two games, struggling in Game 5 and bringing that into tonight. He couldn’t find any luck inside the arch, shooting 4-14 on two-point attempts and opting for difficult floaters instead of drawing contact to get to the line.

Mitchell had 3 assists and 3 turnovers tonight. His assists per game have been cut in half since the regular season, and he’s yet to even hit that average in a single playoff game. That’s not sustainable for long-term success.