Cavaliers Eliminated by Pacers in Eastern Conference Second Round

The Cleveland Cavaliers, despite a strong 64-win regular season and top seeding in the Eastern Conference, were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in five games, losing all three home contests and failing to advance past the second round for the second consecutive year. Donovan Mitchell, the team's star guard, expressed deep disappointment and took responsibility for the loss, acknowledging that the team let down their city and that there were no moral victories despite the season's progress. Mitchell highlighted the importance of the home crowd and the sting of losing on their own floor, emphasizing the need to use the criticism and defeat as motivation for the offseason. Head coach Kenny Atkinson noted the Pacers' physical and mental advantages over the Cavaliers and stressed the need for the team to improve their physicality and endurance to compete at a higher level. Mitchell's playoff history continues to be marked by early exits despite his individual scoring prowess, and he remains focused on leading the Cavaliers toward greater postseason success. The team faces a critical offseason of reassessment and rebuilding to avoid repeating past playoff disappointments.