Not only did the Cleveland Cavaliers finish in first place in the Eastern Conference last season with a 64-18 record, but they achieved the biggest accomplishment of the offseason by defeating James Harden. Already viewed as legitimate title contenders, Cleveland now has a point to prove, and star man Donovan Mitchell certainly understands that.
Speaking on SiriusXM, Mitchell claimed there was a sense of urgency to win the championship, according to a post on X by ClutchPoints.
“This could be one of my last chances, maybe James [Harden’s] Last chance… We understand what's ahead of us, we understand what's in front of us.”
Donovan Mitchell on being ready to win a championship for the Cavs 🏆
(via @SiriusXMNBA)pic.twitter.com/vypGBeqca9
- ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 19 February 2026
"As far as pressure, there's obviously a sense of urgency. It's like, hey you know, when you add a guy that's just as hungry as the group. The way it was last year, it was either us or OKC. So how do you respond now?" He began by suggesting that Harden's move means this could be his last chance to emerge as champion before questions are asked.
"I wouldn't say there's extra pressure, but there's a sense of urgency. This could be one of my last chances, maybe James [Harden’s] Last chance...we understand what's ahead of us, we understand what's in front of us," Donovan Mitchell said.
Cleveland is 34-21 and in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, but the record only tells part of the story. The decision to acquire Harden in exchange for Darius Garland and a future second-round pick indicates that the front office is looking to win now, and wants the roster to move beyond the development phase starting this campaign.
The acquisition of Harden directly addresses Cleveland's biggest postseason issue: offensive stagnation and secondary shot creation in the half-court. Even at 36 years old, Harden is averaging 25.0 points and 8.2 assists per game this season, his most productive scoring in five seasons.
Of course, Mitchell remains the star man despite Harden's arrival. The 7-time All-Star is producing 29.0 points, 5.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game and finished fifth in MVP voting last campaign. This time, he will not only want his team to emerge as a genuine title threat but will also have his eye on individual accolades.
