Donovan Mitchell is catching fire-and so are the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Monday night’s 114-98 win over the Orlando Magic was more than just another notch in the win column. It was a statement game, powered by Mitchell in full takeover mode. The veteran guard poured in 45 points in 35 minutes, putting on an offensive clinic that reminded everyone why he’s one of the league’s most dangerous scorers when he gets rolling.
Mitchell was locked in from the jump. He shot an efficient 15-of-25 from the field and hit 5-of-8 from deep, carving up Orlando’s defense with a mix of pull-ups, drives, and catch-and-shoot threes.
It wasn’t just volume-it was precision. He also added four assists, four rebounds, and a steal to round out the night.
With this performance, Mitchell joined elite company. He now shares the league lead for most 45-point games this season-three apiece-with Stephen Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. That’s not just a fun stat; it’s a testament to the level he’s been playing at, especially as Cleveland finds its rhythm in a crowded Eastern Conference.
Mitchell didn’t do it alone, of course. Evan Mobley and Jaylon Tyson provided key support, helping the Cavs control both ends of the floor.
But make no mistake-this was Mitchell’s night. He dictated the pace, punished mismatches, and made the Magic pay for every defensive lapse.
Fans took notice, too. Social media lit up with reactions praising Mitchell’s performance:
- “Pure takeover superstar stuff.”
- “Orlando had nothing for him.”
- “Mitchell was trynna get paid this game.”
And honestly, it felt like all of that. This was a classic “get on my back” kind of night.
Through 43 games this season, Mitchell has been consistently excellent. He’s averaging 29.1 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 48 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the arc on nearly 10 attempts per game.
Those are All-NBA caliber numbers, even if he didn’t crack the All-Star starting five this year. A seventh straight All-Star nod still feels well within reach.
More importantly, the Cavaliers are heating up at just the right time. They’ve won seven of their last ten-including four straight-and now sit fifth in the East with a 28-20 record. With momentum building and Mitchell playing at this level, Cleveland is starting to look like a team no one wants to face down the stretch.
Next up: a marquee matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. If Mitchell keeps this up, the Cavs might just keep climbing.