CLEVELAND — The pivotal moment came during the third quarter, and Donovan Mitchell recognized it immediately. After Jayson Tatum made a 3-pointer, it was clear to Mitchell that the Celtics were gaining momentum, causing the energy in Cleveland’s enthusiastic crowd to wane and possibly affecting the spirit of his teammates as well.
Realizing the need for intervention, Mitchell decided to take control of the game. He scored an impressive 20 points in the fourth quarter, finishing with a total of 35 points, leading the Cavaliers to a thrilling 115-111 victory over the defending NBA champions. This win was particularly sweet for Cleveland, as it allowed them to settle the score after losing to Boston in November, which halted their historic 15-0 start to the season.
“That’s who we want to be,” Mitchell stated, reflecting on the comeback effort. He emphasized the importance of seeking revenge against teams that have previously defeated them, reiterating the desire for the team to leave their mark on the game. After that initial defeat in Boston, the Cavs remained optimistic about their performance and pledged to ensure a different outcome when facing the Celtics again.
Despite struggling against Atlanta in the previous game and starting off poorly against the Celtics, Mitchell stepped up when needed the most, displayed incredible determination. He showed remarkable skill in the fourth quarter, hitting all six of his attempts, which included four shots from beyond the arc and four free throws. His pivotal 11-point streak included three consecutive 3-pointers, and a deft floater that pushed the Cavs ahead 103-101 with just over a minute left on the clock.
The game turned into a tight contest, with a flurry of fouls and free throws exchanged. Cleveland managed to navigate through tense moments, especially during inbounds plays, ultimately halting the Celtics’ seven-game winning streak. This victory also bolstered Cleveland’s belief that they could compete with Boston anytime and anywhere, especially considering the Celtics eliminated them in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals.
Mitchell expressed pride in his teammates’ efforts, particularly highlighting Darius Garland, who contributed 22 points and handled defensive pressure when the Celtics targeted him with isolation plays. This performance marked Mitchell’s 59th game with at least 30 points, placing him second on the franchise’s all-time scoring list, surpassing World B. Free. While Mitchell has recently eclipsed Kyrie Irving’s 54 games, he still has a significant distance to cover to catch LeBron James, the record holder with 324.
For Mitchell, though, individual accolades take a backseat to a more significant goal. “To be in the history books like that, it’s always an honor,” he acknowledged. “Looking back on what I’ve accomplished is definitely a blessing. Passing legends like World B. Free and Kyrie Irving is great, but at the end of the day, I need to win a championship. That’s the objective.”
