Donovan Mitchell Defends Health as Cavaliers Face 2-0 Deficit Against Knicks
NEW YORK — Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell insists he’s not just good—he’s great. But with his team down 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals, fans and analysts are questioning whether he’s truly at full strength.
The Cavaliers dropped Game 2 to the New York Knicks on Thursday night, 109-93, in a performance that left much to be desired. Mitchell, who finished with 26 points after a slow first half, has repeatedly dismissed concerns about his health.
“I’m great. Great. Great,” Mitchell said postgame, echoing his remarks after Cleveland’s Game 1 collapse.
Yet doubts linger. Coach Kenny Atkinson admitted at halftime that Mitchell appeared to lack his usual explosiveness. The All-Star guard managed just seven points in the first two quarters before finding a rhythm in the second half.
“I thought he was moving well after the break,” Atkinson said. “He’s not complaining. He told me he was fine, so we’re moving forward.”
Cleveland’s Uphill Battle
The Cavaliers now face a familiar challenge—climbing out of an 0-2 hole. They did it against the Detroit Pistons in the previous round, rallying to win in seven games. Mitchell remains confident history can repeat itself.
“This isn’t our first time facing adversity,” he said. “We’ve been through two Game 7s. Being down 2-0 isn’t the biggest challenge.”
But the Knicks present a tougher obstacle. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart have been relentless, while Cleveland’s shooting struggles (37% from the field, 9-of-35 from three) have compounded their problems. Missed free throws (10 of 32) didn’t help, either.
“It wasn’t a great shooting night,” Atkinson conceded. “At the end of the day, you’ve got to put the ball in the hole.”
Fatigue a Factor?
The Cavaliers have played six games in 13 days, while the Knicks enjoyed a sweep in the last round. Center Jarrett Allen acknowledged fatigue might be a factor but refused to use it as an excuse.
Mitchell, however, shut down the notion entirely.
“We’re not tired,” he said firmly. “We’re ready for Game 3.”
The series shifts to Cleveland on Saturday night, where the Cavaliers will look to turn the tide. If Mitchell truly is at his best, they’ll need every bit of his star power to keep their season alive.
— Reported by Nexio News
