The Cleveland Cavaliers are on a roll.
Kenny Atkinson’s team started the season in the right direction, winning their first nine games.
They’ve done so despite a glaring free-throw disparity.
That trend has continued for a while, and Donovan Mitchell finally reached a breaking point.
Following the win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the star shooting guard took a big shot at the referees, calling them out and even using stats to back up his claims of inconsistent officiating (via Serena Winters.
“We’re second in the league in drives per game and we’re not getting any foul calls,” Mitchell said. “I’ve been quiet about it for a long time. Tonight, I almost lost my mind out there. D.G. had no free throws. I had six. Four late in the game. J.A. (Jarrett Allen) had two. Ev (Evan Mobley) had (three). For us to be the team that we are, to drive and not get foul calls, it’s crazy.”
Donovan Mitchell speaks postgame on the free throw disparity: pic.twitter.com/plNUD3EIB6
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 7, 2024
The Cavaliers currently have the lowest percentage of fouls called per drive, and they’re the fifth-worst team in free-throw attempts per game.
Despite being an aggressive and constant driver in the lane, Mitchell only goes to the line 3.6 times a night – a career low for him.
On the other hand, Darius Garland is in the top 15 in the league in total drives, yet he averages 1.6 free throws a game.
Zion Williamson went to the line 13 times against the Cavaliers, the same number of times the entire Cavs team went.
The Cavaliers have continued to find ways to win despite getting few calls every night, and as the leader of this team, Mitchell knew he had to bite the bullet and speak up.
NEXT: Cavs Are Off To Best Start In Team History
