The Cleveland Cavaliers will play the New York Knicks in the opening round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell will be playing against his own hometown team, albeit, he took it as a source of great pride and expressed his excitement for the game.
Due to the influence of his father, a Minor League Baseball player, Donovan began playing basketball in high school and kept up his passion in college.
Denver Nuggets selected Spida in the first round of the draft. The Utah Jazz’s 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft later signed his rookie deal with them on June 22 and played five seasons there. The three-time All-Star was then acquired by the Cavaliers from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Collin Sexton, 2022 first-round pick Ochai Agbaji, Markkanen, and a plethora of draft capital in 2022.
What did Donovan Mitchell say in regard to facing his hometown opponents?
It’s not simple to go from a local unknown to a Cavaliers superstar! Only 12 players over the past two years have averaged at least 25 points and five assists per game, and Donovan achieved this through his intense passion for the game. In 14 career games against the Knicks, Mitchell has averaged 24.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. However, the true offensive monster recently expressed his thrills to play against his hometown and get an impressive outcome.
“It’s full circle. Wouldn’t want it any other way, Mitchell stated. “What kid wouldn’t want to grow up and play against his hometown team in the playoffs?”
The 26-year-old continued by saying that playing in front of his loved ones while wearing a different jersey makes him feel extra special and proves his value. Additionally, the man remembered the assistance of his Johnnie Bryant, who had taught him all that.
“I think it’s something that’s really special and near and dear to me being able to play in a playoff [series] in front of my friends and family. A team that I grew up watching. Against a guy that’s an assistant coach over there [Johnnie Bryant] who kind of basically taught me everything I know at this point. So it’s great. I’m excited for the challenge.”
The Cavaliers have won 104 games during the regular season while the New York Knicks have won 119 of the 223 games. As of right now, we must keep an eye on April 16 to see if DM can defeat his hometown team! Are you waiting for this high-voltage match?
