Fans go berserk as Donovan Mitchell erupts for 71 points against Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell transcended expectations in Monday night's game against the Chicago Bulls. With the guard scoring 71 points in the game, NBA fans couldn't resist reacting to his brilliant performance.
Donovan Mitchell established himself as a star in the NBA with the Utah Jazz. However, his extremely short stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers could see him launched into superstardom.
Mitchell has been nothing short of incandescent as a Cavaliers player. Paired with Darius Garland in the backcourt, the duo have led the Cavs to an impressive 24-14 record to occupy the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference. However, Mitchell has officially etched himself into Cavaliers history after his performance on Monday night.
In a game against the Chicago Bulls, Donovan Mitchell scored 71 points to lead the team to an outstanding victory. While scoring the crucial basket to take the game to OT, Mitchell also broke LeBron James' record for most points in a single game by a Cavaliers player.
However, surpassing LeBron simply wasn't enough. While becoming the seventh player in NBA history to score 70+ points in a game, Mitchell also broke Wilt Chamberlain's record for most points scored against the Chicago Bulls. Coincidentally, Mitchell also broke Michael Jordan's career-high of 69 points, which Jordan scored against the Cavaliers.
Needless to say, the performance seemed linked with destiny in several ways. With the young star rising to greatness on the night, NBA fans were compelled to acknowledge his ascent. As they took note of the display, some sent in their reactions on Twitter. Here are some of the best ones:
@NBA Bro almost had a 71 point triple double 💀
@TheNBACentral @bchawla was everyone else an NPC? lawd 😳
@TheNBACentral I thought this was a typo at first 😳👀
@TheNBACentral Lebron rn: https://t.co/gn7EKmodCE
Y’all better hype donovan mitchell like y’all do luka 71/8/11
Donovan Mitchell picked the absolute worst night to have one of the best games in NBA history.
I know @spidadmitchell tired lol respect my bro 🫡 #71
respect greatness@NBATV Needed ot and refs to do it 🔥 respect greatness
@NBATV Lebron could never
What was the asking price for Donovan Mitchell again? twitter.com/statmuse/statu…
Devin Booker watching Donovan Mitchell break his 70-point game record https://t.co/LgXnAFvfQ9
Donovan Mitchell after beating the Bulls https://t.co/eNoeURn0pz
@TheAthletic Cavs won this trade by a mile
71 D Mitch!!!!!
Donovan Mitchell tonight https://t.co/uiaTE3O7DY
Luka: Here [in the NBA], it's easier to score compared to Europe.
Donovan Mitchell: https://t.co/hoHkHsE9rs
DONOVAN MITCHELL!!! 71!!! HOLYYY!!! https://t.co/ozuzWE6Wlh
Donovan Mitchell is scoring 70. His team is battling for a top 3 seed.
Rudy Gobert is playing like European Damian Jones. His backup is telling reporters he’s the problem. https://t.co/XhWM512jMo
Needless to say, Mitchell put on one of the best-scoring performances in recent years. Keeping in mind the great offensive displays this season itself, the Cavs guard carved out a special place for himself in NBA history.
Just shy of a 70-point triple-double, Mitchell is emerging as an all-round threat in the league. With the Cavs making a steady rise behind Mitchell's brilliance, the team will also hope to make some noise this season.
Donovan Mitchell has turned the Cleveland Cavaliers into contenders
The Donovan Mitchell trade saga was one of the primary storylines of the offseason. Mitchell was heavily linked to the New York Knicks to the extent that it was practically a done deal. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, "Spida" ended up with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
However, the guard's arrival in Cleveland has been met positively by both parties. With the former Jazz star feeling at home in Cleveland, the team have certainly built off of his arrival.
With Mitchell on the roster, the Cavaliers look like a contender in the Eastern Conference. Pairing the guard with an extremely talented point guard in Darius Garland, Cleveland safely boasts a star-studded backcourt. Meanwhile, the team still features an impressive frontcourt trio of Caris LeVert, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Considering the kind of impact the Cavaliers team had last season, Donovan Mitchell has only bolstered their overall roster strength. Leading the team to two consecutive wins in the absence of Garland, the young guard has also looked the part as the leader of the team.
There is no doubt that Cleveland will face some tough competition in the East. However, with the young core developing at the rate they are, they could be viewed as contenders in the East.