Donovan Mitchell reacts to snagging 1 All-Star Game MVP vote away from Jayson Tatum

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum each had a night Sunday at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City. The two took turns in hammering Team LeBron, but it was Tatum who ended up winning the All-Star Game MVP honors.

Tatum got 11 votes for the award, while Donovan Mitchell got the only other vote. When asked about his thoughts during the game when it was starting to look like the award was going to land on either his or Tatum’s lap, Donovan Mitchell said that they both tried to win it.

“We were talking about it. Alright let’s go get it, Donovan Mitchell shared during the postgame press conference. “And at the end of the day, he caught fire. And it’s all love.”

Indeed, Jayson Tatum caught fire. He finished the game with 55 points while making 22 of 31 attempts from the field. He also drained a total of 10 3-pointers on 18 shots from behind the arc over 35 minutes of play. Donovan Mitchell was not too shabby, either. He poured in 40 points on 15-for-25 shooting with eight 3-pointers, dished out 10 assists, grabbed four rebounds, and stole the ball three times, all in 30 minutes of action. With Tatum and Mitchell each going off, they were able to lead Team Giannis to a 184-175 victory. The two also got plenty of help from Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, who came off the bench and erupted for 26 points.

After a few days of rest, Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs will be back in action on Thursday versus the Denver Nuggets at home.