Donovan Mitchell ignites the Magic with an insane 45-point eruption
Donovan Mitchell was invited would the Cleveland Cavaliers to wear them time and time again, especially amid the team’s ongoing injury problems, especially Darius Garland. Garland’s absence means Mitchell has a lot more of the ball, and on Monday night, Speeda certainly made his touches count. He finished with 45 points in their Monday night clash against the Orlando Magic in a 114-98 victory.
Mitchell was also extremely effective in scoring those 45 points. He made 15 of his 25 field goals on the night, and that’s no mean feat at all considering the Magic have several defenders who could make perimeter shooters hell like Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black.
This was Mitchell’s the third game season with 45 or more points, tying him with Stephen Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for most such games this campaign, according to the official NBA account on X.
Speed ERUPTED in Cavs win at home 🌋
🕷 45 points
🕷 4 REB
🕷 4 AST
🕷 17:00
🕷 15-25 FGMHis third 45+ PT game of the season, tying him with Steph Curry and SGA for most in the NBA! pic.twitter.com/4DjEPffGhe
— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2026
The Cavs needed Mitchell to put in one Herculean effort after another, which calls into question how sustainable this is for them. Regardless, Mitchell has been one of the best players in the NBA this season, and they better ride his hot hand as long as it sizzles.
The Cavs are becoming Donovan Mitchell’s one-man show
The Cavs certainly expected to be able to get Mitchell more help on the offensive end than he has so far this season. But Cleveland’s offense falters whenever Mitchell is off the floor. Seriously: them win 11 points less per 100 possessions whenever their best player is on the bench, according to PBP stats.
Garland’s injury and Evan Mobley’s offensive inconsistencies forced Mitchell to fight the world just to give the Cavs a chance to win. Let’s just look at how much Cleveland needed Mitchell to fill the scoring column, Cavs they have a 14-15 record when Mitchell scores 34 or fewer points, while they boast a 14-5 mark when he scores 35 or more.
2026-01-27 04:08:00
