The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially punched their ticket to the 2024-25 NBA playoffs, but if you think Donovan Mitchell is out here celebrating, you’ve got the wrong guy. Yes, they clinched it earlier than any team in franchise history. Yes, they’re the first squad in the league to lock in a spot. But for Mitchell, this is just another step, not the final goal!

After leading the Cavs to a gritty 112-107 win over the Miami Heat—their 12th straight victory—Mitchell remained laser-focused. When asked about the milestone, his response was blunt:

“It’s definitely a blessing. It’s an honor; it’s a sign of our hard work as a group, but at the end of the day, it don’t really mean much… The playoffs wasn’t the goal. It’s just another step on our journey.“

No celebration. No satisfaction. Just a leader who knows the real work is ahead. Mitchell has been in this position before—deep in the postseason, leading a contending team—only for it to end in heartbreak. He’s never made it past the second round, and that fuels him. Now, he’s making sure his teammates share that mindset.

Mitchell’s approach is exactly what this team needs. He’s open about how past playoff failures have shaped him. And this season? This might be his best shot yet. The Cavaliers aren’t just winning—they’re dominating. At 52-10, they hold the best record in the league, dismantling opponents night after night. But Mitchell understands better than anyone that regular-season success means nothing come April, May, and June.

He’s seen this story play out. In 2020-21, his Utah Jazz team was the No. 1 seed in the West, looking unstoppable—until they were sent home early. That experience left a mark, and now he’s using it to keep the Cavaliers focused.

And he’s leading by example. His stats 24.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game don’t tell the whole story. He’s not just scoring; he’s setting the tone, demanding excellence, and pulling this team into a championship mindset.

After all, this isn’t about making the playoffs. This is about running through them.

Cavs Are Winning, But Now They’re Finally Being Watched

For most of the season, Cleveland quietly stacked up wins while national media largely ignored them. Even Darius Garland voiced his frustration. “Don’t know why. Wish I knew the answer to that. The group that we have, the style of basketball we play, we’re exciting… you’d think we’d be getting more love nationally.“

Then came a defining moment. The Cavs walked into Oklahoma City, where the Thunder were riding a 15-game win streak. Cleveland ended it, snapping the streak and forcing the basketball world to take notice.

That game changed everything. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst called it one of the best regular-season games he’s ever seen. Suddenly, the national media couldn’t ignore Cleveland anymore. The Cavs weren’t just a nice story—they became must-watch TV. Debate shows, podcasts, and analysts finally put them in the conversation.

But Mitchell never needed that validation. He knew this moment was coming. More importantly, he needed his teammates to believe it, and now they do.

Beyond his on-court dominance, Mitchell’s leadership in the locker room is undeniable. He’s constantly uplifting his teammates, making sure everyone feels valued. Just look at how he talks about De’Andre Hunter:

“He does a lot for us, you know, for us to be able to get him at the deadline was huge. I mean that he’s he’s showing you what who he is, you know, I mean, he’s he should be six man.“

This is what great leaders do—they elevate those around them. Mitchell isn’t just leading the offense; he’s building a culture. A team that trusts each other, holds each other accountable, and stays locked in. Probably one of the reasons why Cleveland is dangerous right now.

“It’s definitely fun to show up to work every day, and that’s huge. You know when you got a group of guys that you want to come in the locker room with you want to goof off? But also when it’s time to lock in, you know, you can you can have that conversation. You can be serious. You can hold each other accountable.”

This team? They’re together. They’re winning. And now, the world is finally watching.

If you think this is the Cavs’ peak, you haven’t been paying attention. The goal isn’t just making the playoffs—it’s winning a championship. And if there’s one thing Mitchell has made crystal clear, it’s this: Anything less would be a failure.