Donovan Mitchell declared as "best guard in Eastern Conference" by Chris Vernon
Donovan Mitchell has taken the basketball world by storm after his recent jaw-dropping performance. In his first season as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mitchell has taken his game to another level.
Facing the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, Mitchell finished with 71 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists in a 145-134 overtime win.
Mitchell has injected a new level of excitement into the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise. Cleveland (24-14), in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, has shown that it can go toe-to-toe with any opponent.
With Mitchell and Darius Garland running the backcourt, the Cavaliers are a dangerous team that is on the rise. It got the attention of NBA analyst Chris Vernon on a recent episode of "The Mismatch." Vernon said Mitchell has been the best guard in the Eastern Conference.
"I'm watching that game, and I tweeted I can't be happier for a fan base," Vernon said. "Like, this is, man, when you make a deal or you attain someone, this is so far beyond the 10 out of 10 in terms of what you envisioned you might be getting. I mean, he has embraced the city, embraced the fans. He's got, like, this new lease on life.
"But beyond all of that, he's been the best guard in the Eastern Conference."
Donovan Mitchell turning heads in the NBA after a historic performance
The Cleveland Cavaliers were looking to take the next step after an impressive showing last season, when they improved by 22 wins and finished 44-38. That's when the organization went all in to acquire Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz.
Mitchell has been just what the franchise dreamed of. He's been one of the top guards in the Eastern Conference throughout the season. In his last six games, Mitchell has averaged 29.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game. During that stretch, he's shot 43.0%, including 33.9% from 3-point range.
The 26-year-old guard has been sensational, averaging 29.3 ppg and shooing 41.3% from 3-point range (both career highs).
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The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to use Mitchell's recent performance to build some momentum. The team has won seven of its last ten games and is just two games behind first place in the East.
Cleveland is set to take on the slumping Phoenix Suns (20-18), who are 4-11 in the past month, on Wednesday night.