Former Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson is without doubt one of the greatest scorers in NBA playoff historical past. It is secure to say that Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell belongs in comparable firm.
In Video games 6 and seven of the primary spherical in opposition to the Orlando Magic, Mitchell mixed for 89 factors, the second-most within the NBA playoff historical past behind Iverson. “The Reply” scored 90 factors in Video games 6 and seven of the 2001 Japanese Convention Finals in opposition to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Extra importantly, Mitchell ensured the Cavs averted a second straight first-round exit. Within the first half, Cleveland trailed by 18. Then, Mitchell erupted within the third quarter, scoring 17 factors and giving the Cavaliers a 76-68 lead.
Cleveland by no means regarded again, coasting to a 106-94 victory. Mitchell completed with 39 factors, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
The victory in opposition to Orlando marks the primary time Cleveland has gained a playoff sequence since LeBron James left after the 2017-18 season, which ought to rebuild confidence all through the group.
Nevertheless, Mitchell — whom the Cavs acquired in a commerce with the Utah Jazz in September 2022 — is not happy.
“[The Cavs] traded me for extra than simply profitable a first-round sequence,” Mitchell stated following the win, by way of Hayden Grove of Cleveland.com
The No. 4 seed Cavs will face the No. 1 seed Boston Celtics within the Japanese Convention semifinals. As of Sunday, FanDuel lists Boston as the favourite to win the sequence (-1600).
Nonetheless, anticipate the Cavs to present the Celtics a run for his or her cash, particularly if Mitchell will get within the zone. Per The Athletic, he is tied with Iverson for the third-most 50-point video games (three) within the playoffs behind Wilt Chamberlain (4) and Michael Jordan (eight).
