The Cleveland Cavaliers are heading to the NBA playoffs for the first time in five years, and even better, they will be doing so as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
The chief reason why is the arrival of Donovan Mitchell.
He has embraced the idea of being the Cavs’ franchise player, and he has also embraced the Northeast Ohio community.
On Friday, he was seen attending the Cleveland Guardians’ home opener versus the Seattle Mariners.
Man of the People: Donovan Mitchell made his way to the Guardians game, sitting amongst the fans in Cleveland for the home opener! #Guardians #Cavs pic.twitter.com/dhsrE0Ojnp
— clevelanddotcom (@clevelanddotcom) April 7, 2023
This is an auspicious time to be a Cleveland sports fan, as not only are the Cavs a strong team, but the Guardians are in first place in the American League Central and the Cleveland Browns have a great shot at returning to the NFL playoffs next season.
Mitchell has taken his already spectacular game to a higher level this season, averaging 28.3 points a game while shooting 48.4 percent from the field, both of which are career highs.
In addition, 38.6 percent accuracy from 3-point range is tied for a career-best mark.
He seems to be ending the regular season at a peak, as he has scored at least 40 points in each of his last four games.
Last summer, Mitchell was on the trading block, but many thought he was headed to the New York Knicks.
But in the end, the Westchester County native was sent to Cleveland.
Ironically, the Cavs are set to face the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs, which will be a tough matchup for them, given the Knicks’ physicality and size, but it is a matchup Mitchell seems to be looking forward to.
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