Donovan Mitchell was on fire last night in Cleveland. The Cavaliers guard set a franchise record by scoring 71 points, becoming the most by any NBA Player in the previous 17 years. Mitchell’s efforts helped the Cavs overcome a 21-point deficit and beat the Chicago Bulls 145-134 overtime.
Mitchell is now in an elite list of NBA players who have scored 70 points in a single game, joining Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, David Thompson, Elgin Baylor, David Robinson, and Devin Booker.
Mitchell’s total included 13 overtime points. Mitchell helped the Cavs reach the extra session by intentionally missing a free throw, rebounding his shot, and scoring a putback bucket.
ESPN notes Mitchell added a career-high tying 11 assists and eight rebounds, while setting career highs in 20 free throws made.
“I think I had a game like that once playing NBA2K, but I don’t think I shot that efficiently,” Mitchell said in postgame. “But that was a loss, so this feels that much better.”
Donovan Mitchell is currently on the Cleveland Cavaliers, however, many fans know him for his work with the Utah Jazz. Mitchell got to spend five years with the Jazz franchise before being traded in the offseason. While he never went far in the playoffs with the Jazz, he did put up incredible numbers.
Recently, Mitchell reflected on his time with Jazz with Marc J. Spears of Andscape. Mitchell was very honest about his experience, noting that he felt like Jazz fans were draining. This is mostly due to their takes on racial issues, particularly during the George Floyd protests.
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 02, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Magic 107-96. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Donovan Mitchell Jersey Retirement
During the interview with Spears, Mitchell was asked about having his jersey retired by the Jazz. Mitchell was quick to say he doesn’t deserve it. After just five years with the team, Donovan Mitchell acknowledges he simply didn’t achieve enough.
“I don’t think I did enough,” Mitchell said. “I hold myself to a high standard. Now, other people may feel that it should. I’d be happy and forever grateful, honored and blessed for sure for that to happen. But I don’t think I’ve done enough in five years to have my jersey up there with Karl [Malone], John [Stockton], Pistol Pete [Maravich] and Darrell Griffith. I got a long way in my career to go to continue to be better.”
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks to a reporter after the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 06, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 115-100. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Mitchell’s take on his own career is pretty agreeable here. While he certainly made the Jazz a relevant team for five years, there is no way he could actually get his jersey retired.
Let us know what you think of Mitchell’s comments, down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from around the NBA world.
Donovan Mitchell is currently thriving on the Cleveland Cavaliers. There have been some growing pains along the way, however, it is clear that Mitchell is in a better place. The Cavs have room to grow into the best team in the East, and he is definitely the future of the franchise.
Mitchell is coming from a situation in Utah that was detrimental to his growth. Alongside Rudy Gobert, it was becoming quite clear that the duo couldn’t contend with the upper echelon of teams out West. Additionally, the Jazz seemingly had a rebuild in mind.
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is fouled by Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs as he drives to the basket in the first half at AT&T Center on December 12, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
Recently, Mitchell spoke to Marc J. Spears of Andscape about his transition from Utah to Cleveland. During this conversation, Mitchell was open and honest about how Jazz fans were exhausting to deal with. He felt like many of them didn’t respect him as a black man and that he feels much happier and safer in Cleveland. Overall, it’s easy to empathize with Mitchell as Jazz fans have a less-than-stellar reputation.
Donovan Mitchell Speaks His Mind
“It’s no secret there’s a lot of stuff that I dealt with being in Utah off the floor,” Mitchell said. “If I’m being honest with you, I never really said this, but it was draining. It was just draining on my energy just because you can’t sit in your room and cheer for me and then do all these different things. I’m not saying specifically every fan, but I just feel like it was a lot of things. A [Utah] state senator [Stuart Adams] saying I need to get educated on my own Black history. Seeing Black kids getting bullied because of their skin color. Seeing a little girl [Isabella Tichenor] hang herself because she’s being bullied.
“Man, it was just one thing after another. And I will say, it’s not the only place it happens. But for me, I’m continuing to be an advocate for [racial equality] and to receive the amount of pushback I got over the years, it was a lot.”
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers lies on the floor after his last second shot against the San Antonio did not go in at AT&T Center on December 12, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
Now, Mitchell is in a much friendlier environment, which will set him at ease from week to week. The worst feeling as a player is to think the fanbase hates you, and now, Mitchell will not have to worry about that.
Let us know what you think of Mitchell’s honesty, in the comments below. Also, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from the NBA world.
LeBron James has been in the league for 20 seasons, which means he has seen a whole lot of guys play the game. At this stage in his career, he knows the makings of a superstar. Subsequently, he likes to call out who he thinks is up next, especially when they beat him.
LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers fights for a loose ball with Evan Mobley #4 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 06, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 115-100. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
LeBron Impressed By Mitchell
The star of the Cavaliers last night was clearly Donovan Mitchell. The newly-acquired star dropped a total of 43 points, which ultimately spoiled the homecoming. It was a tough match for the Lakers, and consequently, James took notice of the young star.
When asked about Mitchell after the game, LeBron had nothing but praise for the young star. Overall, James definitely kept his answer short, but he made sure to pay respect. “He’s Mitchell,” James said. “He’s a special kid.”
LeBron James and the Lakers are now 10-13 this season with the loss. The Lakers do seem to be on a solid trajectory right now, however, it is not going to be easy. Anthony Davis and James will not play tonight as the Lakers take on the Toronto Raptors. Overall, it is a bad predicament, although it is one the Lakers have experienced all too often this season.
Stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates from around the basketball world. Also, let us know what you think of Mitchell, in the comments down below.
Donovan Mitchell is the newest star of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the hometown franchise and former (and possible future?) place of employment of league superstar LeBron James.
Before he suits up in the wine and gold, the Akron Beacon Journal pointed out an interesting fact about the new Mitchell-Cavs pairing: Mitchell was on hand at King James’ The Decision ESPN special.
Way back when LeBron James first entered free agency, Mitchell was a 13-year-old excited to see where his favorite player would decide to play. Mitchell was hoping he would head to Miami to get his first ring, and Mitchell got his wish.
“I forced my mom to let me go,” Mitchell told Yahoo Sports in 2018. “I wanted him to go to Miami. I wanted him to get his first ring.”
Mitchell recalls fans wanting LeBron to go to the Knicks. An idea they now have in common because the Knicks didn’t land Mitchell either. Instead, they locked into RJ Barrett.
You can see a younger Mitchell recall the moment below.
“I almost got hit in the head with a Snapple bottle.”
Donovan Mitchell is on the move. The star guard gets his wish and is out of Utah, but to the surprise of many in NBA circles, he isn’t going to the New York Knicks.
ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski reports Mitchell will join All-Star Darius Garland in the backyard of the Cleveland Cavaliers. In return, the Jazz will get forward Lauri Markkanen, rookie wing Ochai Agbaji, guard Collin Sexton, three unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027, and 2029), and two pick swaps (2026 and 2028).
In the move, Sexton has agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal to be executed through the sign-and-trade.
Mitchell now joins a Cavs roster with Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and more.
For the last few weeks, it’s been quiet on the Donovan Mitchell trade front. Around the start, the New York Knicks seemed to be a likely destination for Mitchell, pairing him with recent free agent signee Jalen Brunson.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Jazz and Knicks are back discussing a deal, but there currently is no traction on a deal getting done. Additional teams aiming for Mitchell include the Charlotte Hornets and the Washington Wizards.
Mitchell is said to be comfortable with staying with the Jazz or being traded. Many around the league expect the Jazz to press a restart button after trading off star center Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves in July.
In June, after former head coach Quin Snyder stepped down after eight seasons, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Mitchell is feeling “unsettled, unnerved and wondering what it means for the franchise’s future.” According to ESPN, Mitchell committed to the Jazz in part of Snyder and is “surprised and disappointed” that Snyder has left.
Donovan Mitchell has four years and $135 million left on his contract, including a player option for the final year.
Cue all the Donovan Mitchell trade rumors for the summer. The Utah Jazz former head coach Quin Snyder stepped down after eight seasons, prompting a new feeling from the Jazz guard. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Mithcell is feeling “unsettled, unnerved and wondering what it means for the franchise’s future.”
According to ESPN, Mitchell committed to the Jazz in part of Snyder and is “surprised and disappointed” that Snyder has left.
Some analysts already poked at potential trouble with the Utah Jazz, and Mitchell specifically, after an early exit from the NBA Playoffs. That moment also highlighted the possible rift between Mitchell and Star big man Rudy Gobert.
Donovan Mitchell has four years and $135 million left on his contract, including a player option for the final year.
