Donovan Mitchell Shares Playoff Goals, Cavs News

Donovan Mitchell shares he hopes to reach the conference finals or finals as the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare for the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Jan 11, 2024; Paris, FRANCE; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) in action against the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Paris Game at AccorHotels Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alexis Reau/Presse Sports via USA TODAY Sports / Presse Sports-USA TODAY Sports

Donovan Mitchell has made it clear on multiple occasions that he prioritizes winning over anything else. Why wouldn’t he? Spida is an All-NBA level player, an All-Star Guard, and is one of the best players in the NBA. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a lot on the line during this year’s playoffs. Winning could be what the team needs to prove to Mitchell that the Cavs are his best option to sign a long-term deal with this summer.

With all that in mind, Mitchell shared what his postseason goals are with Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor as he looks at the past and the future of his basketball career. 

“Obviously, you’re judged by conference finals and finals,” Mitchell explained to Fedor. "That’s my mindset. That’s kind of where I’m at and where my head is at. First round, second round is cool. I’m taking it one round at a time. But my goal is to make the conference finals and get to the NBA Finals, you know what I mean? That’s what I’m judged on.”

Jan 11, 2024; Paris, FRANCE; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) in action against the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Paris Game at AccorHotels Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alexis Reau/Presse Sports via USA TODAY Sports / Presse Sports-USA TODAY Sports

While Mitchell eagerly wants to see himself as one of the final four teams in the postseason, he also stressed that overall team success is just as important and comes with his aspirations.

He said, “This is what I want to be. This is why I work hard. I take the scrutiny. I take the praise. But in order for me to be considered one of the best to play this game, I’ve got to do something when it matters most. Individual performances are great. But team success has to come with it. That’s where I’m at in my career.”

These goals illustrate just how much of a competitor Mitchell is, as if we needed any more proof. Spida has made it the postseason the last six seasons but has yet to play past the second round. Obviously, he wants to experience the game at the highest level.

Cleveland's quest for the conference finals and NBA finals starts on Saturday when they’ll take on the Orlando Magic in the opening game of the first round. Based on what Mitchell says here, there’s no doubt that he’ll be locked in for the matchup.