When the Cleveland Cavaliers needed a win in game 7 against the Orlando Magic in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs, they turned to 5x NBA All-star, Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell, who scored 50 in a Game 6 loss, dropped 39 points in Game 7, including 24 in the second half, to stave off another first-round playoff exit for Cleveland. Mitchell’s combined 89 points is the second-highest games 6 and 7 total behind Allen Iverson’s 90 points.
This was an important series for the Cav’s star guard due to the criticism of the team’s previous failure when they lost to the New York Knicks in round one in 2023. When asked about his thought process over the past two games, Donovan issued a blunt response.
“Well, first of all, I’m tired of losing in the first round.”
It was the Cavaliers’ first playoff series win without Lebron James in thirty-one years.
Since LeBron’s departure in 2018, Cleveland has struggled to find the new face of the organization. After his scoring explosion, Mitchell has many banking on him to be that guy for the organization.
In Tuesday night’s 120-95 Game 1 blowout loss to the Celtics, Mithcell again asserted himself as the team’s best player, scoring a game-high 33 points. But it was another loss, mostly because he didn’t receive help from his teammates.
In Game 2 Thursday night, Mitchell was again the best player on the floor, scoring 29 points, with 23 coming in the second half. This time his teammates chipped in, helping the Cavs steal a road game with a 118-94 victory. That 24-point margin, according to ESPN, was the biggest in the playoffs by a double-digit underdog since 1991.
Mitchell (263 points) is currently the second-leading scorer in the 2024 playoffs, trailing only Jalen Brunson (285) after Thursday night’s win.
His amazing run in the playoffs has silenced the critics for now, but the team needs to do more so it doesn’t waste his heroic efforts.
And while he is happy the team got over the hump against Orland, he understands reality.
“It’s an honor, obviously, to be in part of history in that regard. But the biggest thing is, and I told everybody in the locker room, I don’t mean this disrespectful, but it does not mean much…”
Donovan Mitchell’s contract is up in two years, and this playoff run can play a huge role in his decision-making. His current five-year deal is worth $163 million and if things don’t go as planned, Mitchell might want to test the free agent waters.
The Cavaliers have a huge responsibility to try and keep Donovan, one of the top playoff performers in this year’s playoffs. Mitchell has been silencing the noise by showing he can be the number one option on a championship team.
But if he’s the future face of the team, the organization must be committed to him and surround Mitchell with enough help to win a championship.
