A Very Interesting Nuance To Donovan Spida Mitchell’s Performance
When people review the magical 71-point performance by Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell, what are they going to look at?
Well, it’s the 71 points he scored and the fact that the Cavs were able to hang on and win the game in overtime over the Chicago Bulls by a score of 145-134 in overtime.
However, there’s something else. The afterworld. Oh, wait. This isn’t a Prince song. My bad. Sorry about that…
Looking at the stat line itself and Mitchell had ELEVEN assists as well. Check out this incredible graphic that really puts it into perspective here:
— Cleveland Sports Talk (@CLEsportsTalk) January 4, 2023
WHAT!?
Mitchell put in the same company as Wilt Chamberlin and that historic 100-point performance that anyone who is a basketball fan knows about.
What makes this performance even more special is the fact that Mitchell was not only able to put up 71 points but the fact that he was able to assist on 11 plays too. Oh, and he also grabbed eight rebounds…if we’re counting.
Now, the number of players who have scored at least 70 points in an NBA game: Wilt Chamberlain (100, 78, 73, 73, 72, 70), Kobe Bryant (81), David Thompson (73), Donovan Mitchell (71), Elgin Baylor (71), David Robinson (71), Devin Booker (70).
The closest in assists was Booker’s game with six.
It’s also the most efficient 70+ point game in NBA history. Mitchell was 22-34 (7-15 from three) for 64.7% shooting. That is also an amazing part of the performance.
Mitchell also had one block – AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING! A BLOCK! INCREDIBLE! Okay, while I joke about that, I believe my point was made specifically about the assists and the rebounds as well.
Just to be put in the same talk that performance by Wilt Chamberlin had all those years ago is awesome. And we Cavs fans had the opportunity to watch it happen.
Moving forward and the Cavs have to focus on a game against the Pheonix Suns (20-18) in Cleveland Let’s make sure to remember that this is an entire basketball season and as amazing as Mitchell’s performance was…it was one game.
The team must get ready for the rest of the season. Mitchell’s performance was certainly celebrated to the max and that’s great because it should be. Now, let the team turn to the next one.
Congratulations, Spida. On the ELEVEN assists. You’re passing and awareness of teammates on the court is what will never be forgotten. Keep on passing and making your teammates better. It’ll certainly help the Cavs win more games this season.
Oh, and you can put the ball in the hoop yourself…if you want.
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