Cavs News: Donovan Mitchell Takes Blame For Loss To Lakers
Donovan Mitchell finally made his return to the floor on Saturday night after missing the previous four games with a hamstring injury. His effort wasn't enough for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they fell 121-115 to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The game really got away from the Cavs in the fourth quarter and Cleveland had multiple chances to win it but they couldn't convert.
Mitchell was not shy about how the Cavs and himself played in the closing minutes of the game:
"Especially the last two possessions, those are shots that I've literally been working on all week. They just didn't go in and at the end of the day that's my job and I didn't do it. I didn't play well the whole second half pretty much. So, that's on me. If there's any criticism, that's on me."
Nov 25, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket between Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) and forward Taurean Prince (12) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
It's noble that Mitchell wants to take the blame for the loss, but the responsibility for the Cavs blowing it in the fourth goes well beyond him. Cleveland shot 33% and scored just 21 points from the floor in the fourth quarter while underachieving on defense.
Yes, Mitchell's 22 points were less than he typically averages, and shooting 22% from the floor isn't great. But one player taking accountability for a team's loss isn't a fair way to break down this game.
One of the most important things to take away from this game from Mitchell's perspective is that his hamstring felt good after missing a week and a half. He limped at the end of the game which sparked fear among fans, but Mitchell confirmed it was just a cramp.
The Cavs are going to need him to be healthy the rest of the way so this is a good sign.
