Donovan Mitchell’s Heroics Save Cavs from Embarrassing Collapse vs. Wizards
Let’s be real: Friday night in Cleveland should’ve been a routine win. The Wizards came in with just three victories on the season, and the Cavaliers, even without playing their best basketball lately, had every reason to handle business. But that’s not how it played out.
Instead, Cleveland found itself staring down a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to a 3-20 team. That’s when Donovan Mitchell stepped in and reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most explosive scorers in the league. Mitchell dropped 24 points in the final frame - part of a 48-point masterpiece - to drag the Cavs back from the brink and secure a 130-126 win that was far more dramatic than it needed to be.
“You’re playing a team that’s 3 and whatever, and you’re down 15, you can kind of tuck your tails and give in, right?” Mitchell said postgame. “But we found a way.”
That fourth-quarter eruption wasn’t just clutch - it was historic. No NBA player has scored more in a single quarter this season.
Mitchell’s 24-point outburst topped the previous high of 22, set by Magic rookie Jett Howard against Boston on November 23. It was the kind of takeover performance that only a handful of guys in the league can deliver.
But here’s the thing: while Mitchell’s brilliance saved the night, it also highlighted a lingering concern for Cleveland. This team still leans heavily on its All-Star guard to close games. The margin for error shrinks fast when the collective focus slips - and against a struggling Washington squad, the Cavs nearly paid the price.
Pacers Make Subtle Roster Move with a Clear Message: Shooting Matters
In Indiana, the Pacers made a quiet but telling roster move this week, waiving Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and holding onto veteran wing Garrison Mathews. On the surface, it might not seem like a major shake-up. But if you listen to head coach Rick Carlisle, the reasoning is crystal clear: it’s about spacing, shooting, and the kind of offensive gravity that changes how defenses operate.
“We know he has gravity,” Carlisle said of Mathews. “He’s a guy who has to be accounted for on a scouting report.”
That kind of respect doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it matters - especially for a Pacers offense that thrives on pace and space. Mathews might not be a high-usage player, but his presence forces defenders to stay honest. Carlisle even likened his impact to shooters he’s coached in the past who altered the geometry of the floor simply by being out there.
“If you don’t guard him, he’s gonna score,” Carlisle said. “It’s pretty simple.”
The Pacers are making it clear: in today’s NBA, shooting isn’t optional. It’s foundational.
Bulls Push Back on Draft Night Trade Rumors Involving Derik Queen
Over in Chicago, the Bulls are still feeling the ripple effects of a draft night that’s sparked more questions than answers. While the Pelicans made a surprise move to trade up and select Maryland big man Derik Queen, there’s been chatter that the Bulls were also in the mix for that deal - and maybe missed an opportunity.
But according to a high-ranking Bulls official, that narrative isn’t accurate.
The official told the Chicago Sun-Times that New Orleans never reached out to the Bulls about a potential trade. And if they had? Chicago would’ve said yes.
That revelation adds another layer to the Bulls’ much-criticized decision to stand pat on draft night. Whether it’s frustration over the perception or genuine disappointment in how things played out, the message from Chicago’s front office is clear: they weren’t given a shot at the deal, and they believe they would’ve taken it.
Still, despite the noise, the Bulls aren’t changing course - at least not publicly. The front office remains committed to its current direction, but the pressure to show results - and soon - isn’t going away.