Cavs star Donovan Mitchell’s eye-opening reaction to Knicks fans taking over Rocket Arena

May 24, 2026 - 06:45

The Cleveland Cavaliers did not just lose control of the game on Saturday night; they lost control of their own building. As the New York Knicks systematically dismantled the Cavs in a 121-108 blowout during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, a vocal contingent of traveling New York fans completely took over Rocket Arena.

Loud “Let’s Go Knicks” chants echoed throughout the stadium, adding insult to injury as Cleveland fell into a devastating 3-0 series deficit.

While the hostile environment inside their own arena frustrated local fans, Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell took the invading crowd in stride after the game.

“I’m from New York. This doesn’t shock me,” Mitchell said. “They do it in every arena. It’s like Cowboys fans, just who they are. I don’t think it’s a Cleveland thing. It’s how Knicks fans are. I was one back in the day. Cleveland has the best fans in the world. I stand on that.”

Donovan Mitchell on Knicks fans in Cleveland:
"I'm from New York. This doesn't shock me. They do it in every arena. It's like Cowboys fans, just who they are. I don't think it's a Cleveland thing. It's how Knicks fans are. I was one back in the day. Cleveland has the best fans… pic.twitter.com/JlLx66luLt
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 24, 2026

Mitchell tried his best to carry the offense, but Cavs simply lacked the firepower to match New York’s hot shooting. The Knicks cooked from the field, hitting 56% of their shots and fracturing the Cavaliers’ defense. Jalen Brunson led the charge for New York with 30 points, while Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, as supplementary pieces, torched Cleveland for 22 and 21 points, respectively.

The Cavaliers struggled immensely from deep, hitting just 12-of-41 attempts (29%) from beyond the arc. Evan Mobley provided a bright spot for the hosts with a team-high 24 points and six rebounds, but it was not nearly enough to silence the raucous New York fans who made Ohio feel like Madison Square Garden.

Cleveland now faces the impossible task of saving its season on Monday night. No team in NBA history has ever erased a 3-0 playoff deficit.

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