Donovan Mitchell trying ahead to potential ‘full circle’ Knicks playoff problem

Donovan Mitchell didn’t come to the Knicks through the commerce market final summer time, however it definitely appears as if the Westchester product will likely be opening the postseason towards his hometown crew.

The four-time All-Star scored 42 factors Friday evening for the Cavaliers, however Jalen Brunson netted a career-high 48 for the victorious Knicks in a possible first-round playoff preview between the No. 4 and No. 5 groups within the Japanese Convention.

“It’s full circle. Wouldn’t need it some other method,” Mitchell mentioned following the Knicks’ 130-116 win Friday in Cleveland. “What child wouldn’t need to develop up and play towards his hometown crew within the playoffs? … It’s going to be lots of enjoyable — if that occurs.”

The Knicks, who will face the Wizards on Sunday evening on the Backyard, entered Saturday 2 ½ video games forward of the sixth-place Nets and 4 ½ video games away from the No. 7 Warmth and the play-in event.

The Cavs are virtually definitely locked into the No. 4 seed, starting the day 3 ½ video games behind the third-place 76ers and three video games forward of the Knicks.

Each groups have been with out key participant Friday, with Julius Randle (sprained ankle) sidelined for the Knicks, whereas 2022 All-Star heart Jarrett Allen and ahead Isaac Okoro have been out for the Cavs.

“I feel it’s much more necessary as a result of that is the crew we’re most likely going to see,” Mitchell mentioned. “Clearly we’re lacking individuals, they’re lacking individuals, however nonetheless the identical competitors, competitiveness. They performed nicely, they did lots of issues nicely, performed collectively in numerous methods. We’ll be higher.”

In fact, the Knicks pursued the 26-year-old Mitchell, whose father, Donovan Sr., works within the Mets’ entrance workplace, final summer time earlier than he was dealt by the Jazz to the Cavaliers in September.

“I wish to attempt to transfer away from this summer time. It occurred, I’m right here and I’m glad to be right here,” Mitchell mentioned Friday evening. “I’m fairly certain after I go to New York I’m going to get requested the identical questions again and again. However I’m glad to be part of this group, glad to be with this crew and I feel for me personally, wouldn’t need it some other method.

“It’s a narrative [book] ending — not ending, storyline. I feel it’s one thing that’s actually particular and close to and pricey to me with the ability to play in a playoff [series] in entrance of my family and friends. A crew that I grew up watching. In opposition to a man that’s an assistant coach over there [Johnnie Bryant] who form of mainly taught me all the pieces I do know at this level. So it’s nice. I’m excited for the problem.”

Requested what he took away from going through the Knicks this late within the season, Mitchell added, “Various things, gained’t share all with you. Firstly, it opened some guys’ eyes to the extent of physicality, the extent of each possession.”

Certainly, the Knicks (45-33) grabbed 16 offensive rebounds within the recreation, together with 9 by Mitchell Robinson, they usually held the Cavs to 14 factors within the fourth quarter after they’d scored 102 by three, together with a team-record 47 within the opening interval.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned Josh Hart was “a monster” in Friday’s recreation, spearheading the late defensive clampdown.

Mitchell additionally thought the Knicks performed at a noticeably faster tempo with Obi Toppin beginning rather than the injured Randle.

“I feel you be taught much more from this, you develop from this,” Mitchell mentioned. “Although the playoffs are proper across the nook, we management our future and go from there. We’ll most likely see these guys in two weeks, so this will likely be movie session for us.”

Mitchell additionally got here away impressed however hardly shocked by Brunson’s efficiency.

“I’ve seen this for years. I noticed the identical factor final 12 months,” he mentioned. “He’s simply shifty. He can get to his spots, other ways. The most important factor is he had [nearly] 50, however he had 9 assists. That’s the standout.

“Fifty is nice and it’s lots of work to place in, however getting all people else concerned that’s what I took away essentially the most.”