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Fiery Donovan Mitchell debut doused in Cleveland Cavaliers loss vs Raptors

By Justin Taguibao

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks the court during the first half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on October 19, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks the court during the first half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on October 19, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers open the season with a close loss

Donovan Mitchell had an explosive outing in his first regular season game in a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform, only to see it squandered on a 108-105 loss on the road against Eastern Conference rivals Toronto Raptors.

The three-time NBA All-Star guard led all scorers with 31 points to go with nine assists and two steals as he tried to carry the team on his back, while second-unit gunner Cedi Osman came off the bench to add 17 markers for the Cavs in the loss.

Both teams have battled back and forth throughout, but Toronto eventually beat Cleveland to the finish line after outscoring them by double figures in the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers’ defense appeared to have run out of steam, allowing the Raptors to score 32 points in that pivotal final period.

Despite having Osman pick up some of the scoring load, the Cavs were visibly shaken without floor general and irrefutable team leader Darius Garland, who exited the game with a freak eye injury in the second quarter. He only saw 13 minutes of action to tally four points and three assists.

Cleveland’s ‘Tower city’ duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen added a combined 27 points, 16 boards, and three blocked shots in the loss.

The Cavs have a long way to go but remain on the right track

Earning the starting small forward spot in the first game of the season was Caris LeVert, edging both Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade for the part. But then again, nothing is set in stone this early as head coach J.B. Bickerstaff continues to figure out tweaks for the new-look team.

The offense looked pretty good tonight, but they still need to take it up a notch on the other end of the floor. After all, it was their stifling defense that allowed them to have a surprisingly successful campaign last season.

While the arrival of Mitchell immediately propels the Cavaliers to a solid playoff-contending team, patience will surely go a long way while they continue to grow and fit into this new role. The foundation is set, but success will not come overnight.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will have one more stop on the road, paying a visit to the Chicago Bulls on October 23, before making their much-anticipated home debut the next day against the Washington Wizards.

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