Following the Cleveland Cavaliers’ ninth consecutive victory to start the season it would seem there is not much to complain about in Cleveland. However, superstar Donovan Mitchell could not help but comment on his team’s free throw disparity in their 131-122 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Cavs’ Star Donovan Mitchell Blasts Refs in Postgame Presser
“We’re driving the basketball, we’re second in the league in drives per game, and we’re not getting any foul calls,” Mitchell said. “I have been quiet about it for a long time, and tonight, I almost lost my mind.”
The Cavs are currently third in the league in drives following the Pelicans game, with 55.9 drives per game. However, they rank in the bottom five of free throw attempts off of drives. The teams they are above all drive the ball nearly 20 times less per game than the Cavs. Mitchell’s point has some serious validity when compared to other teams. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers are the only two teams that drive the ball more per game than Cleveland. They average 8.5 and 10.6 free throws per contest on those drives, compared to the Cavs 5.3.
“DG [Darius Garland] had no free throws tonight,” Mitchell said. “I had six finally in the end. For us to be able to drive, be the team we are, and get no foul calls, it’s crazy.”
Garland attempted no free throws against the Pelicans, which has been a theme for him this season. Garland ranks within the top 20 in drives per game in the league, but he sits third to last in free throw attempts among players who drive 10+ times a game.
“The refereeing has been so inconsistent,” Mitchell explained. “I know we are 9-0, but at the end of the day, we’re driving to the basket… and it’s not just myself, it’s as a collective.”
In the Cavs’ first nine games of the season, they have been outshot at the charity strip on five occasions. Cleveland ranks 26th in free throws attempted per game. Mitchell’s comments seem to have legitimate backing, according to the data.
“We’re playing against these teams that are getting tick-tack calls,” Mitchell said. “Tonight, I don’t even know when the first foul was called in the second half.”
New Orleans was not called for a foul in the second half until about 4:30 left in the fourth quarter. On the other hand, Zion Williamson and the Pelicans were in the bonus all night. New Orleans attempted 15 more free throws than the Cavs. Williamson himself got to the line 13 times.
“At some point, we’re going to need some consistency,” Mitchell said. “I’m proud of the way we’re fighting through it; I told my guys I was the one who was going to say something, don’t even complain about it. It’s getting out of hand; it’s getting crazy. It’s something that really needs to tighten up.”
Statistically speaking, Mitchell’s point has backing. But his Cavs have been able to preserve through a bad whistle. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has his guys playing great basketball, and Cleveland is the only remaining undefeated team in the NBA.
