The Cleveland Cavaliers have plenty to celebrate after becoming the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season. Leading the way, as always, was Donovan Mitchell, the driving force behind their strong run. The six-time NBA All-Star is averaging 24.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, proving to be the heart of the team.
On Wednesday, Mitchell showed his value once again, scoring 26 points in a hard-fought 112-107 win over the Miami Heat. The victory extended Cleveland’s winning streak and officially locked in its playoff spot. After the game, Mitchell shared a heartfelt message with fans.
Donovan Mitchell Happy About Playoff Spot But Says Job Isn’t Done
The game against the Heat wasn’t easy. Miami, despite missing key players like Andrew Wiggins, Kel’el Ware, and Jaime Jaquez Jr., put up a fight. At one point in the fourth quarter, the Heat led by seven and threatened to end Cleveland’s 11-game winning streak. But Mitchell, along with Darius Garland (15 points) and Evan Mobley (16 points), stepped up late to seal the win in front of the home crowd.
After the game, Mitchell acknowledged the achievement but made it clear the team has bigger goals.
“Definitely a blessing, it’s an honor, it’s a sign of our hard work as a group,” Mitchell said. “But day to day, it doesn’t really mean much. You know what I’m saying? It’s great to be in the playoffs, but when we started this, when I came here, playoffs weren’t the goal. This is just another step on our journey. Definitely happy to be in front of the whole crowd, but we got a lot more to accomplish.”
"Just another step on our journey."
Donovan Mitchell talks clinching a place in the #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google, and what the next goal is for the Cavs 👀🏆 pic.twitter.com/3XpaBmNYdt
— NBA (@NBA) March 6, 2025
Mitchell’s statement reflects how focused the Cavs are on winning it all. The team has been dominant this season, holding a 52-10 record—a pace that could lead to the best season in franchise history. On top of that, Mitchell’s stellar February earned him Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors for the third time in his career.
If Cleveland stays as consistent in the playoffs as it has in the regular season, the team has a real shot at its second NBA title. For that to happen, Mitchell will need to maintain his momentum—something that, given his current form, seems highly likely.
