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Donovan Mitchell Says Cavs 'Egos are Checked at the Door' amid 15-0 Start to Season

Andrew PetersNovember 19, 2024

CLEVELAND, OH - November 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the game against the Chicago Bulls during the Emirates NBA Cup game on November 15, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a historic 15-0 start, and their secret to success has been coming to practice and games with no ego.

During an appearance on The Pivot Podcast, Cavs star Donovan Mitchell explained how his team has approached the season thus far.

"For us, we understand each other," Mitchell said (19:00 mark). "When you're in the locker room with guys for more than one year, I know what you're like on a daily basis, I know your work habits, I know what gets you motivated, I know what gets you tired... We vibe with each other every day which is great, egos are checked at the door."

For a team full of rising stars such as Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, playing with no ego can be difficult, but the Cavs are still unproven and seem to understand that.

A 15-0 start is great, but the ultimate goal is winning a championship. Standing in the way of a championship is a long season and the playoffs. Mitchell believes his squad will be prepared for whatever is thrown their way.

"I have no doubt that when adversity hits, we're going to continue to get closer," Mitchell said. "But it's easy with a group that you rock with."

The Cavs have beat a handful of good teams on their way to an undefeated start, but their biggest test thus far will come on Tuesday when they face the Boston Celtics. If there is any doubt about Cleveland being a Finals contender, the Cavs can silence those doubts with a win over the defending champs.