Donovan Mitchell etched his name into NBA and Cleveland Cavaliers history with an unreal 71-point, 11-assist performance. In a comeback win over the Chicago Bulls, the Cavs’ new star dominated and played a leading role in a 145-134 overtime victory.
Mitchell was as unstoppable as a player can be for the Cavs. He shot 22-34 from the field and 20-25 from the free-throw line while also recording eight rebounds. Although individual outbursts like these are rare and worth celebrating, Mitchell has other accomplishments on his mind. He wants to win more than anything.
“I’m extremely blessed, humbled that I’m in company, in that group. I’ve always believed I can be one of the best players in this league, but I have to keep working,” Mitchell said after the Cavs’ comeback win. “This is a big milestone but at the end of the day, we have to continue. Those other guys have all won at the highest level and that’s my ultimate goal. But to be there in the record books with them is truly incredible.”
Becoming one of the very best players in the league looks to be within reach for Mitchell. The Cavs have helped unlock his already spectacular skills. Nights like this may not be commonplace but he should still put up great performances in Cleveland victories.
Donovan Mitchell made all sorts of history. In addition to being atop the Cavs’ single-game scoring leaderboard and tying for eighth on the same leaderboard for the NBA, the 99 points he was responsible for with his scoring and playmaking are the second-most in a game in league history.