Donovan Mitchell played 34 games as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers after being traded from the Utah Jazz in the offseason. Countless times this season, he’s proven that he’s worth everything the Cavs have given him. His epic 71 point game against the Chicago Bulls last night was one for the ages and the team needed every point in a 21 point comeback. The three-time All-Star put his name on the right note for the Cavs last night with his impressive performance in 2023.
Last night, Mitchell scored a Cleveland Cavaliers franchise record of 71 points in a single game. In January 2006, the late great Kobe Bryant scored 81 goals, the most points in more than 17 years. It took OT for the Cavs to get the win and Mitchell’s sensational effort made it that much sweeter.
Ohio sports betting sites have the Cavaliers at (+1800) to win the playoffs this season. The all-time record for points scored in a game is still held by Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 100 points for Philadelphia in March 1962.
71 points
8 REB, 11 AST & OT WDonovan Mitchell set a new scoring record @Cavs And it will be only the 7th player. @NBA history To score 70+ points in one game. pic.twitter.com/SJZu1j7OI9
— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2023
Mitchell set a new franchise record with 71 points in a single game.
The 26-year-old SG is one of those top players who can score goals. He deliberately missed a free kick and hit a circus-like kick to tie the game at 130 with his own rebound. Mitchell scored another 13 points at OT and became the seventh player in league history to score at least 70 points in an AA game. He joins Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, David Thompson, Elgin Baylor, David Robinson and Devin Booker.
Mitchell had this to say about his performance after the game.
“It’s really humbling to be on the roster with guys like Wilt…”… “I always believed I was going to be one of the best players in the league. I’m humbled and blessed to be around that greatness.” – Donovan Mitchell
He also scored 11 assists in the game, a career high. His 20 final throws and 25 free throws attempted were both career highs. Cleveland head coach JB Bickerstaff had this to say to the media about Mitchell’s outstanding play.
“We were treated to one of the greatest performances in the history of the game tonight”… “Every play he made was an important play.”… “Donovan never put himself above the team, so how could you? Not root for a guy like that? Get everyone else out of the way.” I said.- JB Bickerstaff
Cleveland was without Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, so his sensational play was much needed. He is second and third behind Mitchell in leading scorers per game. He had to carry the team all night, but the win and his name being etched into the NBA record books and the franchise is well deserved.
Donovan Mitchell took time to show support for Bills DB Damar Hamlin after scoring a Cavs record 71 points ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BNXzMkDhlc
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 3, 2023
