Donovan Mitchell is finding lessons in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2025-26 start, saying the team’s current challenges offer more growth than an undefeated streak.
Speaking to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Mitchell said, “With 15-0 you always are going to say, ‘We’re going to learn. We’re going to learn.’ But are you if you’re going out there winning by 20, winning by 25, sitting in the fourth quarter…?”
The Cavaliers, currently 11-6 through 17 games, are adjusting without Darius Garland and Max Strus, and Mitchell believes the team’s adversity is valuable. “I think now we’re having to gut some wins out, having to have tough losses, seeing different coverages, seeing teams guard you differently, and this is all without DG and Max,” he said.
Mitchell has been leading the team with 29.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 50.3% from the field. Evan Mobley supports him with 18.7 points and 8.7 rebounds, and De’Andre Hunter adds 18.1 points per contest, showing Cleveland’s depth in the early stretch of the season.
Mitchell sees the team’s current situation as a growth opportunity. “Obviously, you want to go 15-0, right. But for myself and for us as a team I’m OK here because this is showing us so many different lessons within the first 15, 16 games,” he said.
Cleveland’s schedule has already tested the roster, including close contests against the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors. The Cavaliers have had to navigate wins by narrow margins and occasional losses, forcing adjustments on both ends of the floor.
The 2025-26 Cavaliers are showing balance on offense, with Mitchell, Mobley, and Hunter pacing the team, while Jarrett Allen contributes 14.8 points and 7.6 rebounds.
The Cavaliers began the 2024-25 season with a historic 15-0 streak last year and went on to clinch the Central Division title, marking the first division crown without LeBron James since 1976. Despite strong start and clinching No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, Cleveland bowed out in the second round of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers.
Cleveland continues its campaign with the NBA Cup and upcoming matchups against Atlanta and Boston.
