Donovan Mitchell, after defeating the Boston Celtics: "We are a team that fights until the end"

Donovan Mitchell was the absolute protagonist in the Cleveland Cavaliers's 115-111 victory over the Boston Celtics, after overcoming a 14-point deficit in the third quarter. With 30 points in the second half, including 20 in the last quarter and a perfect 6 for 6 from the field, Mitchell took charge to prevent a third consecutive loss for his team and secure their position as the top team in the NBA with a record of 18-3.

“In the third quarter, I felt like I had to take control,” Mitchell confessed when asked about the moment he decided to take the lead. “And I'm going to be selfish in saying this: when [Tatum] scored over me, I thought, ‘He's starting to get into a rhythm, they're gaining confidence, and we're losing the ball.’ At that moment, I just waited, tried to analyze where to go. Then, coming back in the fourth, I just thought: ‘Give me the ball. It's time to act.’”

Mitchell recalled what happened in the third game of last season's Eastern Conference semifinals against the Celtics when Boston’s explosive start in the second half led them to victory and winning the series. However, Sunday night saw the Cavaliers showing growth. “The difference this time is that we didn't give up. We kept fighting, and that speaks to the development of this group,” Mitchell explained.

His coach, Kenny Atkinson, highlighted his star's attitude during the game: “That's the essence of Donovan. He never crumbles. You might expect someone to hit a chair or get frustrated, but not him. He has an incredible attitude, neither getting too excited nor getting down. He's better than coaches at that. He tells everyone: ‘Calm down, everything will be fine.’”

Mitchell's performance was decisive in the final stretch of the game. With three consecutive triples in a span of 93 seconds, he tied the score and, with a key drive with just over a minute remaining, put the Cavaliers ahead for good. “Even if the shots aren’t falling, you have to be aggressive, go to your strengths. If we lose, let it be that way, but by trying,” Mitchell said of his mindset.

The matchup was also a defensive challenge for Cleveland. Atkinson emphasized the importance of Darius Garland taking on tough assignments, like guarding Jayson Tatum. Garland responded: “I’m no coward. If they try to find and exclude me, that’s fine. But I’ll always accept the challenge.”

Tatum wasn't enough

Tatum, who finished with 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, stood out for Boston, but his team lost their rhythm in the final minutes. “I was finding my spots all night, but in the last few minutes, they started double-teaming me. I just tried to make the right decisions,” Tatum explained.

For the Cavaliers, this win showcased growth and resilience. As Mitchell pointed out: “A year ago, maybe we would have collapsed in a situation like this. Today we showed that we're growing and learning. When faced with adversity, who are we? Tonight we showed: we are a team that fights until the end.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Donovan Mitchell, tras destrozar a Boston Celtics: "Somos un equipo que lucha hasta el final"