Donovan Mitchell’s unexpected happiness came as the Cleveland Cavaliers advanced to the NBA playoffs. When he was traded from the Utah Jazz to Cleveland in 2022, he hoped to be in New York, but he now feels a strong connection to his new team and city.

In a recent interview, Mitchell shared about his gripping season:

“It’s been one of the best seasons of my life. I’m glad I’m here. Obviously, it’s no secret: Did I want to go home? I mean, yeah, sure. But coming here, seeing the group we had, understanding what we could continue to build, it wasn’t long before I was like, man, this is special.”

Mitchell’s performance as an All-Star has led the Cavaliers to a surprising start of 15-0 this season, ending with a remarkable 64-18 record, the top in the Eastern Conference. Despite this, they now find themselves down 0-2 against the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs.

In their recent game, Mitchell showed determination with a superb 48-point performance, even as the short-staffed Cavaliers lost by a single point.

Despite injuries to key players like Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, Mitchell remains committed, stating:

“We could sit here and dwell on this, and be home in about four or five days. Or we could move on and take some things that we did really well and go from there.”

Mitchell appreciates the sense of belonging he has found in Cleveland — a stark contrast to his previous experiences in Utah, where he faced challenges both on and off the court. He emphasized the joy he’s found in the city, expressing his desire to build a championship legacy beyond just what was achieved with LeBron James.

Mitchell’s exceptional skills and enduring spirit inspire hope for a turnaround in their playoff journey, as he continues to pursue not only a successful season but a true home in Cleveland.