“Y'all gonna say a lot of sh*t” — Donovan Mitchell makes heartbreaking admission after Cleveland Cavaliers' playoff elimination

Donovan Mitchell did his best being in his A-game in Game 5, but individual performance alone can’t propel a team to a victory. The Indiana Pacers have eliminated the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, the Cavaliers' home ground. Post-game, Mitchell makes a heartbreaking admission about the defeat and how the potential narrative of their gameplay could circulate which he labeled as “sh*t.”

Donovan Mitchell breaks silence after crushing Cleveland Cavaliers defeat in playoffs

After the devastating 114-105 defeat against the Indiana Pacers at the Rocket Arena on Tuesday, May 13th, the Cleveland Cavaliers fans were in disbelief to see their home team out of the playoffs. However, it was evident that the Pacers just needed one more win as they led the series 4-1.

Still, it was heartbreaking for Donovan Mitchell, who gave his all in the game. Post-game, the Cavs' standout made an honest admission about the Game 5 loss and playoff exit. "We didn't get it done... especially at home. That's what hurts, you know?" Mitchell said.

"We didn't get it done... especially at home. That's what hurts, you know?"

Donovan Mitchell on going back out onto the court one more time after a special season 💔 pic.twitter.com/9tNbt5ElVr

— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 14, 2025

Mitchell didn’t shy away from the harsh reality of their defeat. He shared that the loss would spark criticism from the media and fans alike. But instead of avoiding it, Mitchell embraced the idea that the outside noise could serve as motivation. Having been through tough playoff moments before, he revealed that the team understands what it takes and plans to channel the sting of this elimination into fuel for next season.

"Getting beat down like this. And y'all are gonna write some sh*t about us, man, and that's gonna be fuel. Like, fuel for everybody. Y'all gonna say a lot of sh*t. Y'all are, and that's what it takes. I've been here, so I understand. We understand, and now we just got to use it as fuel for next year."

Donovan Mitchell: "Getting beat down like this. And y'all are gonna write some shit about us, man, and that's gonna be fuel. Like, fuel for everybody. Y'all gonna say a lot of shit. Y'all are, and that's what it takes. I've been here, so I understand. We understand, and now we…

— Danny Cunningham (@RealDCunningham) May 14, 2025

He added, "Y'all gonna write us the f*ck off, man...We'll be back."

Also Read: Indiana Pacers knock off top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers as Tyrese Haliburton sparks stunning Eastern Conference Finals return

Mitchell gave it everything he had in Game 5, finishing with 35 points in 37 minutes and 39 seconds of play. He shot just 8-of-25 from the field and went 4-of-13 from three, but stayed aggressive and got to the line 21 times, making 15 free throws.

Mitchell also grabbed 9 rebounds, dished out 1 assist, and added 4 steals and a block. He committed 2 turnovers and picked up 2 fouls.