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CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 and James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warm up prior to a game against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

The Cleveland Cavaliers came into this season as one of the favorites to win the East. After winning 60+ games last season, they were expected to rally after last year’s disappointment in the playoffs. They didn’t quite fulfill those expectations.

They finished this season fourth and will face the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the playoffs. Donovan Mitchell tried his best to lead Cleveland to a better record. He had the best shooting season of his career, making 48.3 percent of his shots from the field.

Mitchell understands the importance of this postseason. He is putting a lot of pressure on himself and the rest of the teammates in Cleveland to win a title this season.

Donovan Mitchell Puts Pressure on the Cavaliers to Win a Championship

While talking to The Athletic, Mitchell made it clear that he thought this year is the best chance for him to win a title.

“I don’t want to say it’s (James Harden’s) last shot, or my last shot, either. But it’s our best shot. There’s a reason why he chose here. And for me, you know that you have a guy here who has done it at a very, very, very high level for a long time. I’ve seen it, firsthand. …When you’re both missing something like that, and that really impacts both of your legacies in a way, you do whatever it f—ing takes to win.”

Harden has his own playoff struggles. He has a narrative following him around that he is one of the biggest playoff chokers in the NBA. Adding him at the trade deadline was supposed to lighten the load for Mitchell, and that is what he is hoping will happen.

Donovan Mitchell says he Wants to Stay in Cleveland

Even though the Cavaliers might have some tough roster decisions to make this summer if they don’t win the title, Mitchell says he wants to stay there for as long as possible and made that clear to Sam Amick.

“I love Cleveland. I’ve said it before: I want to play here for as long as I can. And the goal is to win — as long as we’re continuing to win at the highest level. But I love it, man. It’s a place that I feel like I can call home, you know what I mean? And I feel good. My fiance (singer/songwriter and actress Coco Jones) feels good about it.”

Cleveland has to figure out a contract extension with Harden, which seemed to be implied when they made the deadline deal for him. Everyone else on the roster could be on the move with how expensive the current roster is. They are currently in the second apron of the luxury tax.

Another early exit in the playoffs could see this team look drastically different when the offseason begins.