Donovan Mitchell’s Leadership Under Fire After Cavs’ Collapse vs. Celtics
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ 117-115 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday wasn’t just another early-season stumble-it was a gut punch. And not just because of the final score. The aftermath revealed something deeper, something that has nothing to do with box scores and everything to do with leadership.
After a game that Cleveland had no business losing at home-especially against a Celtics squad that was just as banged up, if not more-Donovan Mitchell wasn’t the one facing the music. That role fell to second-year forward Jaylon Tyson, who stepped in front of the cameras and called out the team’s lack of focus.
It was raw. Honest.
And, frankly, not his job.
It’s the kind of moment that raises eyebrows. Not just among fans, but around the league.
On ESPN’s The Hoop Collective, Brian Windhorst didn’t mince words. He pointed out that Mitchell, who has long prided himself on being the voice of the team during both the highs and the lows, was noticeably absent this time around.
Instead, it was Tyson-young, still finding his place in the league-who ended up delivering what felt like a state-of-the-team address.
Tim MacMahon echoed the sentiment, saying it plainly: Tyson shouldn’t have been put in that spot. That’s what veterans are for.
That’s what stars are for. That’s what leaders are for.
And Donovan Mitchell is supposed to be that guy.
Let’s be clear-Mitchell’s leadership has been praised in the past, and rightfully so. He’s been the face of this Cavaliers team since his arrival, and when things are going well, he’s front and center.
But leadership isn’t just about showing up when the lights are bright and the wins are easy. It’s about standing tall when things go sideways.
This was one of those nights.
Mitchell’s performance on the court wasn’t disastrous, but it wasn’t inspiring either. He finished with 18 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including 3-of-7 from deep, along with seven rebounds, eight assists, and five turnovers.
It was a mixed bag-some solid moments, but also some costly mistakes. Not his worst night of the season, but certainly not the kind of outing that lets you duck out early and let a second-year player take the heat.
This loss marked Cleveland’s third straight defeat-their first such skid of the 2025-26 season. And it came in a game where they had every reason to step up.
Injuries? Sure, but Boston was dealing with their own.
Home court? Check.
Motivation? Should’ve been sky-high.
But when it came time to close, the Cavs came up short.
And when it came time to answer for it, Mitchell was nowhere to be found.
That’s the part that stings. Because when your team is reeling, when the locker room needs a voice, when the fanbase is looking for accountability-it has to come from your star. Not a 22-year-old still learning the ropes.
Jaylon Tyson showed heart in stepping up. But he shouldn’t have had to.
That moment belonged to Donovan Mitchell. And in a season where the margins are razor-thin and expectations are high, these are the moments that define a leader.
Right now, the Cavaliers don’t just need Mitchell to score. They need him to lead.