Donovan Mitchell leads Cavaliers to first ECF since 2018

Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2018, but the team fell flat against the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals. The Cavs were swept in four games after collapsing in Game 1, with Mitchell averaging 27.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.5 steals in the series.

How did Donovan Mitchell perform this season?

Mitchell had a standout regular season, averaging 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His performance earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. The seven-time All-Star also guided Cleveland past the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons in the playoffs, both series going to seven games.

What was the Cavaliers' playoff journey like?

The Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors in a hard-fought seven-game series in the first round, winning Game 7 at home. They then overcame the Detroit Pistons in another seven-game series in the conference semifinals, securing the final victory on the road. However, their momentum stalled against the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

What's next for Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers?

After a strong season, Mitchell and the Cavaliers will look to build on their success. The team will aim to address any weaknesses exposed during the playoffs and make another deep run in the 2026-27 season. Mitchell, who played at Louisville from 2015-17 and was named first-team All-ACC in his final year, remains a key piece for Cleveland's future.