Monday’s matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls featured one of the most special individual performances in recent memory from Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell dominated the Bulls all night, finishing with an unreal 71 points along with 11 assists and eight rebounds in a 145-134 overtime win for the Cavaliers.
He had a number of highlights in the game, but perhaps his greatest moment in the game came at the end of regulation, hitting a last-second shot off a missed free throw to force overtime.
Are you serious, Donovan?! 😳 pic.twitter.com/YVpO9RDmzs
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) January 3, 2023
This was obviously an amazing shot when it mattered most, but it was also an important shot individually for Mitchell. This shot gave Mitchell 58 points, breaking the franchise record previously held by LeBron James.
.@spidadmitchell has a FRANCHISE-RECORD 58 PTS, including the game-tying putback to send the game into overtime.
This is the @cavs 6th overtime game of the season.#LetEmKnow
— Cavs Notes (@CavsNotes) January 3, 2023
Mitchell would go on to score 13 points in overtime to help the Cavaliers secure the win, capped off at the free throw line where he received his due praise with “MVP” chants from his home fans.
Donovan Mitchell has done it. Points 70 & 71 in a historic performance. pic.twitter.com/FLuxoFOX5O
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) January 3, 2023
He received even more praise from the NBA world after the game for his unbelievable game on Monday night.
“Spider you’re insane,” tweeted Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.
🕷️ you're INSANE!!!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 3, 2023
“Y’all better hype Donovan Mitchell like y’all do Luka (Doncic) 71/8/11,” tweeted former NBA player Nick Young.
Y’all better hype donovan mitchell like y’all do luka 71/8/11
— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) January 3, 2023
Along with breaking the team record for most points in a game, Mitchell also became just the seventh player in NBA history to score 70 points in a single game.
Donovan Mitchell in tonight’s Cavaliers win over Bulls: 71 points – becoming the seventh player in NBA history to score 70 or more in a game.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 3, 2023
The Cavaliers’ decision to trade for Mitchell this past offseason has seemed to pay off in a huge way for them this year, and this game is further proof that he is reaching superstar status in Cleveland.
[Shams Charania on Twitter, NBA on Twitter]
