Author of an MVP-caliber start to the season, All-Star rear Donovan Mitchell has integrated perfectly into his new Cleveland team, and his performance last night (34 points against Orlando) is further proof of this. Just like his post-match statement.
When Donovan Mitchell was traded from Utah to Cleveland during the offseason, there were a few questions about his association with point guard Darius Garland, especially defensively. After the first quarter of the season, we can already say that the integration of Spida within this Cavs team which surprised so many people last season is successful.
Individually, the former Jazz star got it dirty from day one, first without an injured Garland as he went 30 points – 7 assists, and then by his side finding a good balance with his new backcourt pal. . Collectively? The Cavaliers are taking the long-awaited milestone following the arrival of Spida, winning 15 of 23 games (third in the Eastern Conference) while being the best defensive team in the NBA. In short, we have the banana in Cleveland, in particular Mitchell.
“I’m not saying that against my Jazz guys, but I found the pleasure of playing again. This group has players who want to learn and become better. Sometimes all you need is a fresh start. I succeeded well in integrating myself here because I fill a need. »
– Mitchell, via cleveland.com
Donovan’s arrival brings an extra dimension to a team that needed offensive support on the perimeter behind All-Star Darius Garland (7th offensive efficiency today, 20th last year), and Mitchell has come back to life since he left the mountains of Salt Lake City to reach the edge of Lake Erie in Cleveland.
We know it, the Jazz team carried by the duo Donovan Mitchell – Rudy Gobert had arrived at the end of the cycle after another premature elimination in the Playoffs. Spida took quite a bit of flak for his lack of defensive involvement against the Mavericks in the first round, and the stats showing his weak offensive relationship with Rudy were constantly brought up. This double perception, Spida wanted to change it as soon as he arrived in Ohio and for the moment we can say that he is closing a lot of mouths in his new jersey.
Donovan Mitchell moving different out there ???? My goodness. Such a shifty and explosive guard. He’s so strong in the air too. Non stop attacker, he isn’t worried about percentages.
???? @sidelinesources pic.twitter.com/AMZ52I2mWB
— Ball Don’t Stop (@balldontstop) November 22, 2022
Behind Boston and Milwaukee, which are now big favorites in the Eastern Conference, Cleveland is quietly taking the podium and has plenty of ambitions. Not only this season but especially in the years to come. With Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley all 24 or younger, Mitchell just entering his prime, and that defensive solidity that’s become part of the DNA of these post-LeBron Cavs, it all seems to come together. to soon compete with the best.
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Source texte : cleveland.com
