Donovan Mitchell scores 33 in Game 1, but Cavaliers fall to Pacers

Despite dropping 33 points, Donovan Mitchell couldn’t prevent the Cleveland Cavaliers from falling 121-112 at home to the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Mitchell made playoff history, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan to record eight straight series openers with at least 30 points, but his 13-for-30 shooting and 1-for-11 from deep proved costly.

After the game, Mitchell remained composed and focused on the bigger picture: “This is nothing to freak out about,” he said. “They made shots and set the tone on the road—credit to them. But we’re not hanging our heads.”

With Game 2 set for Tuesday in Cleveland, Mitchell made it clear the Cavaliers are ready to respond: “We didn’t play our best basketball. But we’ll be better.”