In the heat of playoff intensity, it’s easy to forget that mutual respect between competitors is still alive, but Donovan Mitchell made sure fans were reminded of it in Game 2.
The Cleveland Cavaliers star made headlines Tuesday night for more than just his explosive performance on the court. During the second quarter of the Cavs’ second-round playoff matchup against the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Arena, Cleveland, a moment erupted that showed why Mitchell is a leader who understands the respect a player deserves.
Donovan Mitchell silences fans heckling Tyrese Haliburton with classy mid-game gesture
As Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton stepped to the free-throw line, Cavaliers fans erupted into chants of “Overrated!” It was a clear reference to a recent player poll that controversially voted Haliburton the most overrated player in the NBA. While that poll sparked plenty of debate across the league, including sharp disapproval from many Pacers voices, Haliburton himself had already responded with a simple but sharp jab following Indiana’s first-round victory over Milwaukee: “Overrate THAT,” he posted on X.
But on Tuesday night, the conversation took a different turn.
Rather than letting the chants roll, Donovan Mitchell immediately intervened. With a calm but firm gesture, he waved his hands downward toward the crowd, signaling them to stop. The message was clear: there’s no need for disrespect, especially on a stage as big as the NBA Playoffs .
The taunts quickly faded, replaced by more traditional (and far more acceptable) free-throw distractions — wild arms, high-pitched screams, and some classic playoff noise. Mitchell’s gesture changed the tone in the building.
Mitchell’s sportsmanship was a rare and refreshing sight.
In terms of performance, Mitchell was already doing the talking with his game. Mitchell dropped a game-high 48 points, but the Cavs fell short by 1 point to face their second consecutive defeat against the Pacers.
Also Read: Lebron James' net worth in 2025 – Current salary, achievements and more
Max Strus added 23 points, and Jarrett Allen added 22 for the Cavs. As for the Pacers, Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith scored 23 each, while Haliburton added 19 points on the board in their 120-119 victory against the Cavs. Regardless, Mitchell’s heartfelt reaction to fans’ criticism of Haliburton left the NBA world talking.
The Cleveland Cavaliers star made headlines Tuesday night for more than just his explosive performance on the court. During the second quarter of the Cavs’ second-round playoff matchup against the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Arena, Cleveland, a moment erupted that showed why Mitchell is a leader who understands the respect a player deserves.
Donovan Mitchell silences fans heckling Tyrese Haliburton with classy mid-game gesture
Cleveland crowd chants "overrated" with Tyrese Haliburton at the line. Donovan Mitchell isn't having it. pic.twitter.com/srZaaMgLZj
— Ben Ross (@BenRossTweets) May 7, 2025
As Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton stepped to the free-throw line, Cavaliers fans erupted into chants of “Overrated!” It was a clear reference to a recent player poll that controversially voted Haliburton the most overrated player in the NBA. While that poll sparked plenty of debate across the league, including sharp disapproval from many Pacers voices, Haliburton himself had already responded with a simple but sharp jab following Indiana’s first-round victory over Milwaukee: “Overrate THAT,” he posted on X.
Overrate THAT
— Tyrese Haliburton (@TyHaliburton22) April 30, 2025
But on Tuesday night, the conversation took a different turn.
Rather than letting the chants roll, Donovan Mitchell immediately intervened. With a calm but firm gesture, he waved his hands downward toward the crowd, signaling them to stop. The message was clear: there’s no need for disrespect, especially on a stage as big as the NBA Playoffs .
The taunts quickly faded, replaced by more traditional (and far more acceptable) free-throw distractions — wild arms, high-pitched screams, and some classic playoff noise. Mitchell’s gesture changed the tone in the building.
Mitchell’s sportsmanship was a rare and refreshing sight.
In terms of performance, Mitchell was already doing the talking with his game. Mitchell dropped a game-high 48 points, but the Cavs fell short by 1 point to face their second consecutive defeat against the Pacers.
Also Read: Lebron James' net worth in 2025 – Current salary, achievements and more
Max Strus added 23 points, and Jarrett Allen added 22 for the Cavs. As for the Pacers, Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith scored 23 each, while Haliburton added 19 points on the board in their 120-119 victory against the Cavs. Regardless, Mitchell’s heartfelt reaction to fans’ criticism of Haliburton left the NBA world talking.
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