Home / Sports / Cavs Coach: Mitchell's Impact Beyond Scoring
Cavs Coach: Mitchell's Impact Beyond Scoring
7 Nov
Summary
- Mitchell's shot attempts decreased significantly this season.
- Coach Atkinson emphasizes making teammates better over scoring.
- Mitchell is encouraged to balance aggression with playmaking.
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson has stated that he is not concerned about Donovan Mitchell's reduced shot attempts this season. Atkinson's primary focus for Mitchell is his impact on teammates and making the correct play, rather than solely on scoring volume.
Despite taking fewer shots, Mitchell is reportedly more efficient, maintaining a strong points-per-shot attempt average. However, there's a noted decrease in his drives per game and a slightly lower percentage on shots at the rim. The coaching staff is encouraging Mitchell to balance his natural scoring aggression with playmaking abilities.
Atkinson referenced Mitchell's performance in a previous Game 7 as an example of the desired playmaking, where he focused on setting up teammates. While Mitchell is capable of high-scoring games, the team's long-term success hinges on his consistent effort to empower those around him. The team views Mitchell as a work in progress, emphasizing new skills for their star player.
