Donovan Mitchell understands the Cleveland Cavaliers fans' frustration and says he "would boo us, too" after their loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

The Cavaliers are now 15-12 in the NBA after their 119-111 overtime loss to the Hornets, with this their fourth loss in their last five home games.

Cleveland were flat against Charlotte, but were led by Darius Garland's 26 points, with Mitchell adding 17 and seven assists.

They had to recover to level at 111-111 and force overtime, but they then missed all 10 shots in the extra session, failing to get a point on the board, as Charlotte took the win.

Though a lot of the Rocket Arena had emptied by the end of the game, the Cleveland fans who remained booed their team.

"We deserve it," Mitchell said. "I was a fan once. I would boo us, too.

Final. pic.twitter.com/Y4mrlHY7Ip

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 14, 2025

"I had one of those nights on a night and situation when I'm not allowed to. If I play better, we win that game. Put this one on me. I know my team-mates won't say that.

"No one is feeling sorry for us. I wouldn't feel sorry for us.

"I know it's cloudy. I know it's dark. As long as we continue to stay together in this locker room, we'll be all right."

Last season, the Cavaliers went 15-0 under Kenny Atkinson to start the season, raising their expectations, but lost to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals in five games.

Despite being one of the favourites for the championship once again, Cleveland have stuttered during an injury-laden season, though Garland's response to the loss was simply: "No excuse."