Cavaliers Clinch Top Seed in Playoffs with Atkinson's Leadership, Mitchell's Unselfish Play
April 17, 2025
This season, the Cavaliers led the NBA in points per game and offensive rating, showcasing their strong team dynamic and offensive prowess.
Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell averaged 24.0 points this season, his lowest since joining the Cavaliers, but his team-first attitude has earned him praise from both teammates and coaches.
Coach Atkinson highlighted Mitchell's subtle approach to leadership, emphasizing his unselfishness throughout the season.
Mitchell himself values winning over individual statistics, stating that despite lower personal counts, this has been the best season for him as a group.
Evan Mobley noted that Mitchell's support has made the game easier for him and Darius Garland, contributing significantly to the team's overall success.
Garland described Mitchell as an 'Unselfish MVP,' underscoring his ability to empower his teammates.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have secured the No. 1 seed in the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference playoffs, largely due to the effective leadership of first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson.
The Cavaliers are poised to face either the Atlanta Hawks or Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs, with Mitchell eager to advance further than ever before.
Looking ahead to the playoffs, Mitchell expressed excitement about the possibility of a deep postseason run, indicating a shift in his approach to the game.
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