The Cleveland Cavaliers, having just seen the return of star Donovan Mitchell, are in a tight race for the eastern conference playoff seeding. With Mitchell’s play not quite reaching the heights of pre-injury, will the Cavs be able to succeed? Here’s a look at the Cavaliers without Mitchell ahead of the playoffs.
Mitchell, crossing the 20 point mark for the first time since his return, finished with 24 points against the Suns. Along with three rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, Mitchell had a solid outing.
Although he’s been playing restricted minutes (average of 31 in his last five games), his play has seen a solid increase. Although it should be mentioned, he has yet to post a positive plus/minus since his return.
In his last five games, Mitchell had averaged 15.2 points, 4.6 assists and 2.6 rebounds. For comparison, this season he’s averaged 26.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and six assists. To be fair, he’s coming off both a knee injury and a nasal injury. He’s been playing in a mask to protect his nose, but his play is clearly suffering.
He’s shooting 33.8% in his last five outings, compared to 26.8 for the season (24.8 for his career). Last season, his first in Cleveland, he averaged a career high 28.3 points.
If the Cavaliers have any hope of playoff success, the five time all star will need to bounce back.
Despite the Cavaliers having talent permeated throughout their roster, Mitchell makes quite the difference. Without Mitchell, the Cavaliers are are averaging 107.9 points, with a 46.8 percent field goal percentage and a 12-13 record. With Mitchell, they’re 34-18 this season with a 48.5 percent field goal percentage.
They do get less assists 27.6 compared to 29.2) and commit more turnovers (12.8 to 12.6), interestingly enough. As well as shooting better from deep (36.0 percent to 37.8 percent) on fewer attempts (37.4 to 36.2), they’re slightly more efficient.
But, overall, the margin of difference in quality of play is much better with Mitchell on the court.
With their position being far from secure in the east, the Cavaliers need to play consistently. Although injuries have played a large part in this season for the Cavs, it’s resulted in inconsistent play for the entire season. Both in play and results.
At the start of the season, they were passing with a frenetic precision that’s since vacated their play. They had a .250 win percentage in October, .600 in November, .615 in December, .846 in January, .692 in February, .412 in March and .500 in April.
Mitchell, having just recently returned, might miss future games in hopes of nursing his injuries back to health for the postseason. The Cavaliers will certainly need him if they want to see their full potential.
They play a back to back against the Los Angeles teams, first the Lakers on Saturday (April 6) at 3:30 PM, then the Clippers on Sunday at 3:30 PM. Both games are in Los Angeles.
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Featured photo courtesy of NBA.com
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