Donovan Mitchell is tearing it up for the Cavs, dropping an efficient 22.5 points per game with one of the league’s most explosive games, but if you ask Cleveland fans, that massive $273 million dollar deal he inked this summer? It’s already looking like a problem. They’re openly ripping his decision making, specifically calling out his constant “hero ball” plays. This isn’t just chatter, either; this is coming off a brutal Eastern Conference Finals sweep back on May 25, 2026, where our guys, the Knickerbockers, absolutely stomped them at Rocket Arena.
The Pressure on Kenny Atkinson’s Crew
That sweep wasn’t just a loss for the Cavs; it was described as another conquered mountain ledge for the Knicks on their climb to the NBA summit. For Cleveland, though, it felt like just another failure for a core that’s been trying to win it all for about three years now. Mitchell, still the headliner in Rocket Arena, was at the heart of that squad. Kenny Atkinson’s team has mostly kept the same guys from that ECF squad, meaning they’re running it back with the same group that got shut down by our boys. The pressure has to be absolutely immense on these guys, especially with Mitchell’s contract making him the focal point of fan frustration. You gotta wonder if they’re still reeling from watching the Knicks celebrate on their home court.
Cleveland’s Wild Ride: From Hot Dogs to “The Shot”
You might think the Cavs’ whole story started and ended with LeBron James, but man, you’d be dead wrong. This franchise joined the NBA way back in 1970 and has had some truly wild times. Imagine scouting players for your expansion draft using trading cards assistant coach Jim Lessig found while grocery shopping for milk. Seriously! And then there was Gary Suiter on that inaugural roster. This dude’s biggest contributions were eating hot dogs in the stands during warmups and literally calling the front office disguised as a fan to lobby for more playing time for himself. The breaking point? When the well-known bachelor tried to strong-arm the Cavs for bigger travel expenses by hiring a prostitute to pretend to be his wife. Even the desperate Cavaliers said “enough” and kicked him out. Fast forward, basketball actually did take off in Ohio, with James bringing a title and other memorable teams from the late 80s and 90s featuring legends like Mark Price, Ron Harper, Brad Daugherty, and of course, Craig Ehlo. Yeah, the guy who’s mostly remembered for hitting the deck after Michael Jordan’s iconic “shot.” That’s the history the current Cavs are living up to, and it’s a lot.
So, here we are, November 7, 2026. The Knicks are back in Cleveland. This isn’t just another game; it’s a chance for the Cavs to maybe start changing the narrative after that Eastern Conference Finals choke. For our guys, it’s about proving that sweep was no fluke and keeping that momentum going. Get ready for a battle, because you know the Cavs are itching for some revenge, and the Knicks are ready to shut them down again.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Posting and Toasting.
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