Donovan Mitchell knows a winning team takes more than just star power. As the Cleveland Cavaliers push toward the Eastern Conference Finals—just one win away from eliminating the Detroit Pistons—the All-Star guard is giving credit where it's due. And surprisingly, it's not to the usual suspects.

While Coach Kenny Atkinson has masterfully deployed talents like Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Max Strus, Mitchell points to three other players as the true catalysts of this postseason surge: James Harden, Keon Ellis, and Dennis Schroder.

In a league where superstars often soak up the spotlight, Mitchell's perspective is refreshing. Speaking with Joe Vardon of The Athletic, he explained how these three veterans changed the team's trajectory. "You want to win, you want to get to the highest level, and it's more of an incentive," Mitchell said. "It's not a distraction; it just makes you hungrier. Putting myself aside, I think this is great for the group. This is why we work so hard, why we made the trade for James and Dennis and Keon. It's exciting to get that momentum and get one step closer."

Each player brings a distinct edge to the Cavaliers' playoff identity. Harden, a seasoned playoff warrior, delivered a vintage performance in Game 5—logging 43 minutes and dropping 30 points against a relentless Pistons defense. His poise under pressure has been invaluable. Ellis may not stuff the stat sheet, but his defensive intensity has been a game-changer, disrupting opposing offenses with relentless energy. Schroder, meanwhile, provides a steady hand as a secondary ballhandler, keeping the offense flowing when Atkinson rests either Harden or Mitchell.

In today's NBA, winning in the playoffs isn't just about the headliners. It's about role players stepping up, veterans steadying the ship, and unsung heroes making winning plays. Mitchell's acknowledgment of Harden, Ellis, and Schroder is a masterclass in team-first leadership—and a reminder that championship runs are built on contributions from every corner of the roster.