Donovan Mitchell will attempt to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to their fourth straight victory when they visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.
Since opening the season with a 119-111 loss to New York, Cleveland has wins over Brooklyn (131-124), Milwaukee (118-113) and Detroit (116-95). Mitchell led the team in scoring in all four games and had at least 31 points in three of the four contests.
“I think he’s underrated,” Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said. “First-team All-NBA. I don’t know why people don’t talk about him more. Probably because he’s no controversy, low-key, humble. Does that equal you get underrated because of the personality? I don’t know?”
Because Monday’s victory over Detroit was Cleveland’s second game in as many nights, the Cavaliers rested Lonzo Ball. Cleveland is still without Darius Garland (big toe) and Max Strus (foot), who are recovering from offseason surgery, and Sam Merrill sustained a right hip contusion during the third quarter Monday and was out for the remainder of the contest.
“He’s hurting,” Atkinson said. “When Sam can’t come back in the game, it’s (hurting). I think Evan (Mobley) actually hit him like in the hip. … Looks like a hip pointer. Those are painful. We’ll see.
“I do feel right now we have to lean into our defense until we get DG (Garland) back and Max back. On offense we’re gonna have to have some lineups that aren’t perfect.”
De’Andre Hunter had a career-high six assists against the Pistons and limited Cade Cunningham to 12 points on 3-of-14 shooting from the field. Hunter missed Cleveland’s first two regular-season games with a right knee contusion he suffered in the Cavaliers’ final preseason game.
“You’re starting to see it,” Mitchell said. “He’s picking up guys full court. He’s on the boards. We all know what he can do scoring-wise. He’s obviously got the career high in assists. He’s doing all the little things necessary (that) make him so dynamic, which helps us.”
After starting the season 0-3, the Celtics earned their first victory by beating host New Orleans 122-90 on Monday. Anfernee Simons, Boston’s top offseason acquisition, came off the bench to score a team-high 25 points. He made six 3-pointers.
“It’s been for sure a transition, but I’ve been enjoying it,” Simons said following the win. “Just asking a different side of me. I’ve been trying to, each and every day, improve on things I need to improve on to help the team win. It’s been fun, for sure, learning from each and every game. Applying to the next game, seeing what you can do better. Maybe be more aggressive.”
Boston’s Jaylen Brown has been dealing with a sore hamstring. The injury occurred in Boston’s final presason game. He collected 15 points and seven rebounds in Monday’s win, which was Boston’s second game in as many days.
Brown is averaging a team-high 29.7 points per game.
“Tough turnaround,” Brown said. “Detroit to New Orleans — that’s a tough way to start the season. But it’s all right. Adversity is what makes strong bones. I’m looking forward to the challenges of the year. It’s not going to get easier. It’s only going to get tougher. Just gotta be ready.”