Donovan Mitchell faced criticism from Kendrick Perkins and fans after saying he would personally prefer Saturday’s game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks to be canceled because of the team’s travel disruption.
Kendrick Perkins and Hoop Fans Slam Donovan Mitchell for Game Cancellation Request
On Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a nationwide ground stop order due to communication issues affecting multiple Air Route Traffic Control Centers. The Cavs couldn’t fly back to Cleveland after their 133-121 road loss to Miami until Saturday, the day of their matchup against the Mavericks.
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Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor reported that Mitchell wanted Saturday’s game canceled. “This is unprecedented. Back-to-back. Three-hour flight. It was already going to be a tough one,” the seven-time All-Star said.
Perkins criticized Mitchell, writing, “Soft as hell!!! Doing all that crying… leave some room for the babies.”
An OG Anunoby fan page questioned Mitchell’s star power, posting, “‘Donovan Mitchell’ thinks he got pull in this league.”
The “Cream City Crossover” podcast also weighed in, writing, “Players today are SOFT. No way around it.”
Celtics commentator Sean Grandepushed back on Mitchell’s description of the situation as “unprecedented”: “‘Unprecedented,’ of course, is something that’s never happened before. In fact, it’s happened just to the Celtics seven times in the last 25 years, four times due to snow, three for airplane maintenance.”
Lakers fan CJ mocked the Cavs star’s request, quipping, “Awww poor baby tell that to warehouse workers.”
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One fan questioned the Cavs star’s request, commenting, “Am I missing a part of the story or is he just being a whiny baby for no apparent reason.”
Another hoops fan questioned Mitchell about the Cavs bench playing despite having the same travel schedule: “But all the backups have to play even though they had the same travel issues? 🤣”
While Mitchell’s request ultimately didn’t go through, the shorthanded Cavaliers managed to clinch a surprising 127-117 win over the Mavericks.
Ahead of tipoff, Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson ruled out Donovan Mitchell (left knee bruise), James Harden (left calf), Peyton Watson (right hamstring), and Jarrett Allen (right knee). Evan Mobley was already sidelined with a left big toe sprain
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With none of the starters present, Tyrese Proctor had the chance to shine for Cleveland. He finished with a triple-double, recording 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists on 10-for-19 shooting.
Mario Hezonja and Thomas Bryant also made the most of their first starts of the season. Hezonja scored 22 points on 9-for-12 shooting, while Bryant had 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Having evened their record to 7-7, the Cavaliers will next host the Chicago Bulls at the Rocket Arena on Monday.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
