Donovan Mitchell admits the Pistons were hungrier than the Cavaliers in Game 6 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Game 6 was pretty much a one-sided game for the Detroit Pistons. It was the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ opportunity to put the #1 seed away, but they failed due to an underwhelming performance.
The Cavaliers knew they blew an opportunity on Friday night, as both teams are against the wall. Anything can happen in a do-or-die Game 7, but the Pistons have the advantage with the momentum, and they are playing at home.
Donovan Mitchell knew the Cavs blew a golden opportunity in Game 6
This was a disappointing performance for the Cavs because everyone expected them to come out of the gates swinging. They have been undefeated at home up to this point, but the Cavs lacked the energy required to win a game.
On the other side, the Pistons knew the weight of the situation. They made sure to go out there and play with all of their heart. It was clear from the first few minutes that they were going to work as hard as they could to win the game.
MORE: The Pistons force a do-or-die Game 7 against the Cavaliers
As the star player for the Cavs, Donovan Mitchell is well aware that his team did not step up in Game 6. That includes him, as he only had 18 points on an abysmal 6-of-20 from the field.
Everyone has to be much better because they cannot win if they underperform. This could have long-term repercussions because if they fail in the second round again, this core might get blown up.
“They were just hungry, from the jump. At the end of the day, we didn’t match it. We got an opportunity, we didn’t do it, and now we gotta go on the road and win,” Mitchell said in his press conference after Game 6.
His backcourt partner echoed his sentiments because it was clear that he was frustrated about the Cavs not closing it out in Game 6. Cleveland’s fans will want that kind of frustration to be manifested during games because their backs are against the wall now, too.
More NBA news:
- James Harden had the golden opportunity to redeem his postseason reputation in Game 6
- How the Cavs’ ownership played a major role in getting more people to watch the team
- Kenny Atkinson speaks about how James Harden has made adjustments across many teams
- Donovan Mitchell sees three players as key contributors for the Cavaliers
- Evan Mobley could be the primary trade piece for a Giannis Antetokounmpo move