In a hard-fought contest that lacked aesthetic appeal but delivered in intensity, the Cleveland Cavaliers managed to overcome a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 111-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite struggling offensively for much of the game, particularly in the middle quarters, the Cavaliers’ resilience and clutch play down the stretch proved decisive.
The Cavaliers found themselves trailing by double digits late in the game, primarily due to offensive stagnation in the second and third quarters. One of the main culprits was Donovan Mitchell, who struggled significantly during this period, going just 2-for-9 from the field. Mitchell’s performance has often been a barometer for the team’s fortunes this season. When he excels, the Cavaliers win; when he falters, they tend to struggle.
Statistically, this trend is stark. The Cavaliers hold a 21-9 record when Mitchell scores 30 points or more, and an impressive 12-1 when he reaches at least 35 points. Conversely, they have a losing record of 6-10 when he scores 21 points or fewer while playing, and even a 5-4 record in his absence. This pattern persisted in this game—when Mitchell found his rhythm late, so did the Cavaliers. He contributed 12 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter alone, including a crucial and-one layup with under five seconds remaining that effectively sealed the win.
However, Mitchell’s shooting struggles, particularly from beyond the arc, cannot be ignored. Before February, he was shooting an efficient 38.4% on nearly 10 three-point attempts per game. Since then, his outside shooting has dipped to just 28.4% on about 7.3 attempts per game. While this slump is concerning in the short term, there is little cause for long-term worry. Mitchell remains an elite shooter with a proven track record, and his ability to hit timely shots—as evidenced by going 3-for-8 from deep in this game, including a pivotal three early in the fourth quarter—signals he is beginning to break out of this funk.
More importantly, Mitchell continues to excel in the areas he has always dominated: finishing at the rim and drawing fouls. Since February, he has converted 69% of his attempts at the rim, ranking him in the 71st percentile among players, and he also shoots 54% in the short midrange, similarly placing him in the 71st percentile. His continued success in these areas, combined with frequent trips to the free-throw line, underlines that his scoring prowess remains intact despite the slump from distance.
While Mitchell’s performance was a mixed bag, another key player, Dennis Schroder, has been in a prolonged slump that remains a concern for the Cavaliers. Schroder has not scored more than 10 points in a game since March 3, and over his last eight games, he is averaging just 4.4 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 turnovers, with shooting percentages of 32.3% from the field and a dismal 23.1% from three-point range. His struggles continued in this game, where he managed only a single point on 0-for-4 shooting, including a missed three-pointer that seemed to airball.
Schroder’s inability to provide reliable scoring or steady ball handling off the bench is a significant issue for Cleveland. The team needs a dependable secondary playmaker, especially as they approach the playoffs, and Schroder’s current form raises questions about his role in the postseason rotation. The Cavaliers may have to reconsider his minutes or role if he cannot regain his offensive confidence soon.
On a more positive note, Max Strus has been increasingly integrated into the closing lineup. Although he has not been particularly effective with his shooting since debuting last Sunday, he has featured in the closing group for all four games he has played. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has noted a “comfort level” with Strus, stemming from their previous working relationship. With the anticipated return of Jarrett Allen, competition for closing minutes will increase, and it appears Atkinson may rotate among Allen, Strus, and Sam Merrill to round out the late-game unit.
Another encouraging development for the Cavaliers is the growing chemistry between James Harden and Evan Mobley. The duo is becoming more synchronized in their two-man game, with Harden facilitating Mobley’s scoring opportunities through smart