Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell has one of the NBA’s best nicknames, “Spida,” but he really looked like Spiderman during a wild play against the New York Knicks Saturday.
Mitchell chased down a loose ball in the second quarter, and when it went out of bounds, he didn’t stop, leaping over the scorer’s table and flying back four or five rows into the stands.
He somehow saved the ball in bounds on the play.
Donovan Mitchell went flying into the crowd for a loose ball. 🏀 pic.twitter.com/VmE6kWuFZg
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 15, 2023
No wonder Cavaliers fans have been serenading Mitchell with chants of “MVP!” this season.
Don’t look too closely at the video, because it appears the ball bounced out of bounds. Really, if you’re a referee, are you going to call the play that closely after seeing such a phenomenal effort?
However, many fans were upset the referees might have missed the call and let the Cavaliers keep possession. Others pointed out it was a dangerous stunt and Mitchell should know better, which is a valid point.
At least give Mitchell credit for incredible hustle.
Great effort but should that not have been out of bounds? The ball clearly hit the burgundy on its way back in…
— Adam Sachs (@Adam__Sachs) April 15, 2023
How do playoff officials miss that he bounced the ball about a foot out of bounds?
— Probably Sarcastic (@HaunRyan) April 15, 2023
Some dude just caught Donovan Mitchell flying into the fifth row of the stands and did it without spilling a drop of his beer. Deserved MVP chants, tbh
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) April 15, 2023
Ball is out of bounds.
— Matt Forman (@mforman93) April 15, 2023
He’s going to get injured doing that..
— Gregory Pearsoll (@GPJaysfan) April 15, 2023
[Photo Credit: Bally Sports Cleveland]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.