CLEVELAND (AP) — Donovan Mitchell already had plenty of motivation in his offseason workouts after the Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in five games in the Eastern Conference semifinals despite being the top seed.

His drive went to another gear when he heard last month Max Strus was going to be out the first two months of the season due to a broken foot.

“I made it a point to be ready earlier, especially once Max went down. Honestly, once I got that phone call, I think within the next two days a mental shift just happened,” Mitchell said Monday during the team’s media day. “Just understanding what’s going to be required, not being Superman, but understanding that being ready for what’s necessary.”

Darius Garland had toe surgery after the season ended and is als

See Full Page