Since LeBron James’ second exit from Cleveland, the Cavaliers have spent five seasons rebuilding their culture. Team officials told ESPN the franchise lacked any foundational identity after James left, saying the club had been “rooted in the culture of LeBron” rather than player development or team building.
The turning point arrived with the acquisition of Donovan Mitchell. A team source credited the guard for transforming the club’s trajectory: “Four years without him, in the rebuild: one play-in game. Four years with him: four playoff appearances, three second-round appearances, a conference finals appearance.”
Harden Trade Sparked by 2025 Setback
Cleveland held the NBA’s second-best regular-season record in 2025 but was eliminated by Indiana in the second round. That disappointment, sources said, created the conditions for this season’s trade that sent Darius Garland to Houston for James Harden. Head coach Kenny Atkinson called the move necessary: “We needed to change… I’ve been saying, we’re a better team. Even though with James it’s not perfect—only two and a half months together—I’ll take the character and toughness we added.”
Mitchell Denies Injury Concern
Mitchell appeared limited in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against New York, prompting on-air speculation about a possible injury. Asked after Game 2, the All-Star insisted, “I feel great.” Atkinson acknowledged seeing “some stiffness” but said Mitchell refused to sit when offered rest in the fourth quarter. Game 3 on Saturday will mark Cleveland’s seventh contest in 13 days; New York had more than a week off after sweeping Philadelphia. Mitchell dismissed fatigue talk: “We’re not tired… We’re ready to go for Game 3.”
Tyson’s Role in Flux
Second-year guard Jaylon Tyson boosted his scoring average from 3.6 points as a rookie to 13.2 this season and made 42 starts. However, after logging only 10 minutes total over the final three games of the first round, he did not play in the series opener versus the Knicks. Atkinson said the decision was based on game flow, adding, “He’s in the bullpen warming up.” Tyson saw just over 10 minutes in Game 2 and missed all three of his three-point attempts.
‘Process’ Remains Intact Despite 0-2 Deficit
The Cavaliers trail the Knicks 2-0, yet players emphasized adherence to their plan. “Our process was right tonight,” Mitchell said after Game 2. Evan Mobley echoed the sentiment, noting only a few possessions he would want back. Part of that strategy focused on steering the ball away from Jalen Brunson and toward Josh Hart; Hart responded with 26 points, hitting 5-of-11 from deep.
Jarrett Allen said the group is accustomed to pressure: “That’s just how our whole playoffs have been, our back against the wall.” Cleveland shot 25.7% from three-point range in Game 2, with Max Strus and Sam Merrill combining to go 1-for-11. The Cavaliers hope a return to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse will spark their perimeter shooters as they try to even the series.
Source: Hoops Rumors
