Looked upon as the franchise’s new star, Donovan Mitchell lived up to all of the hype last night. It was nearly a year ago that many in the NBA world, and fans, alike, were questioning Mitchell’s ability to be the superstar he was expected to be. The bar was set incredibly high, and expectations.. higher. Deemed one of the League’s most “exciting scorers,” Mitchell has made numerous All-Star team appearances, and rightfully so.
Last night, any doubt that anybody had about his potential to become one of the League’s most elite players was squashed. Against the Chicago Bulls, Mitchell dropped an electrifying 71 points – coming SO close to breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 100.
In the overtime victory, Mitchell was a force to be reckoned with in every single quarter of the game. What was more impressive was that his 71 points were made on 22 for 34 shooting from the field, and 20 for 25 at the free-throw line. Additionally, he chipped in 11 assists, eight rebounds, a block, and only four turnovers in 50 minutes of action!
Heading into the game, Mitchell was averaging 28.0 points on 48.4% shooting from the field.
Mitchell’s 71-point feat was historic. He had become just the seventh player in NBA History to reach the 70-point mark in a single game – no Cavaliers player has ever reached 60 points! It’s also important to note that this was the most points any player had scored in a single game since Kobe Bryant – who dropped 81 during the 05-06 season!
Even Kevin Love, who has witnessed greatness from former teammates LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, was beyond elated.
“In my 15 years, that’s the best performance I’ve ever seen, ever been a part of. I’ve seen some special ones, I was talking about Kyrie here against Portland when he had 55, LeBron in game one of the 2018 Finals, 57 for Kyrie in San Antonio. But this one takes the cake … “
New Year New Me😂… 71 of them thangs ‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/eqTSqAEKk8
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) January 3, 2023
See how other Allstars, along with the rest of the world, reacted below.
🕷️ you're INSANE!!!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 3, 2023
71!???? @spidadmitchell you’re a BAD MAN!!!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 3, 2023
71….Donny a certified bucket
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) January 3, 2023
71 D Mitch!!!!!
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) January 3, 2023
Y’all better hype donovan mitchell like y’all do luka 71/8/11
— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) January 3, 2023
🔥🔥🔥 @spidadmitchell straight fire!! 71 points!! 😱😱
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 3, 2023
@spidadmitchell !!!
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) January 3, 2023
