Donovan Mitchell isn't one to mince words, and after the Cleveland Cavaliers' playoff loss on Tuesday night, the star guard offered a candid take on his dwindling free-throw attempts in the postseason.

"I don't flop, maybe that's why," Mitchell said when asked why he hasn't been getting to the line as frequently in the playoffs compared to the regular season.

The comment came after a frustrating outing where Mitchell struggled to draw fouls, a noticeable shift from his regular-season form. During the 82-game grind, Mitchell averaged over seven free-throw attempts per game, using his explosive drives and crafty finishes to earn trips to the stripe. But in the playoffs, that number has dipped significantly, leaving the Cavs' offense searching for easy points.

Mitchell's jab at flopping—a tactic some players use to exaggerate contact and draw whistles—highlights his preference for playing through contact. While the league has cracked down on unnatural shooting motions and embellished falls in recent years, Mitchell's old-school approach may be costing him calls in the heightened intensity of postseason basketball.

For the Cavaliers, who rely heavily on Mitchell's scoring burst, getting him to the line could be a key adjustment. Free throws not only add points but also disrupt defensive rhythm and put opponents in foul trouble. As the series progresses, Cleveland will need their star to find a balance between playing tough and selling contact—because in the playoffs, every possession counts.