Donovan Mitchell Frustrated Over Lack of Calls in Cavaliers-Pistons Game 1
The Detroit Pistons took Game 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, 111-101. The backcourt tandem of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden combined for 45 points. However, that wasn't enough to take down the Pistons. Detroit used a defensive strategy against the Cavaliers' key backcourt players.
The Pistons had an early 1-0 lead to take advantage of the series. Fortunately for the Cavaliers, the fight is not over, and they could come back to the series in Game 2 on Thursday.
One of the things that stood out for Cleveland, however, was the lack of foul calls. Mitchell believes that he should've gotten some foul calls against the Pistons.
Donovan Mitchell is Considering to Start Flopping Against the Cavaliers
Mitchell only had two free-throw attempts in Game 1. After the contest, he voiced out his frustration and told the reporters that he thought he should've gotten more foul calls. He didn't want to criticize the officials directly since he learned about the $50,000 fine that Jaylen Brown received from the NBA for commenting on the referees.
"I want to separate this from the game. The free-throw disparity is not why we lost tonight-I want to make sure I say that," Mitchell said. "I'm trying to get downhill, and a friend of mine got fined for talking about flopping, so I'm not going to double down, but I feel like that's what I have to do.
"I'm trying to get to the bucket, and sometimes my people are in my way, I'm trying to fight through contact, and I'm not getting these calls."
#Cavs Donovan Mitchell on not getting to the free throw line:
— Ashly Holder (@AshNoelleTV) May 6, 2026
"I feel like I have to flop at this point. I'm trying to get downhill, trying to get to the bucket. Sometimes people are in my way, and I'm trying to fight through contact, but I'm not getting those calls." pic.twitter.com/CEoXaffOWt
"I'm just not getting the calls. I don't know why. I don't flop-maybe that's why," he added. "This isn't just a tonight thing; it's been the entire series, and it's frustrating. Because I'm such a dynamic driver, I can't control that. If they're not going to call it, I have to find a way to finish through it."
Mitchell reiterated that the lack of free throws was not the reason why the Cavaliers lost against the Pistons. However, the seven-time All-Star believes he deserves to get the right foul calls.
In the first-round series against the Toronto Raptors, Mitchell did not get enough attempts at the charity stripe. He averaged 2.3 free-throw attempts through seven games. The most shots and attempts he had against the Raptors were six and seven, respectively. That was in Game 1, when the Cavaliers had a 126-113 win.
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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 11:36 PM.