Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell Breaks Michael Jordan’s NBA Playoff Record
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In a thrilling NBA playoff match, Cleveland Cavaliers’ All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell broke one of Michael Jordan’s long-standing records on Sunday night. However, Mitchell’s achievement was overshadowed by the Cavaliers’ 121-112 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
According to a report by the Associated Press, Mitchell finished with 33 points in the series opener, marking his eighth consecutive game with at least 30 points in a playoff series opener. This impressive feat surpassed Jordan’s record of two seven-game streaks of 30 points in Game 1s, achieved during the Chicago Bulls’ successful championship runs in the 1990s.
As quoted in the Associated Press article, Mitchell expressed his mixed feelings about achieving this milestone, saying, “Jordan won Game 1. I didn’t. It’s always great to be in great company. But man, we lost. I shot 30 times. I always try to be aggressive to start a series.” This sentiment highlights Mitchell’s focus on winning, despite individual achievements.
The Cavaliers’ loss was a disappointing one, as they failed to capitalize on Mitchell’s impressive performance. The team rallied in the third quarter, with Mitchell scoring nine points during a 20-4 run that put the Cavs up 88-84. However, they were unable to maintain their lead, ultimately succumbing to the Pacers.
Mitchell’s impressive playoff performance continues to garner attention, with the Associated Press noting that he is averaging 33.2 points in series openers, second-highest in NBA history for players who have participated in at least 10 postseason series. His playoff average of 27.9 points is seventh-best among players with at least 50 games.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, as reported by the Associated Press, offered a pragmatic assessment of Mitchell’s performance, stating, “We’re fortunate because he missed a lot of ones he’s usually going to make. It’s just one game.” This sentiment underscores the competitive nature of the NBA playoffs, where individual performances can be influenced by a range of factors.
Mitchell’s streak began during the 2020 playoffs, when he scored 57 points against the Denver Nuggets while playing for the Utah Jazz. This remains a Jazz playoff record and the third-highest-scoring performance in NBA postseason history.
In the context of his overall playoff performance, Mitchell’s achievement is significant. As noted by the Associated Press, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to score in high volumes, with his current streak showcasing his skill and determination.
Looking ahead to Game 2, Mitchell emphasized the importance of moving forward, stating, “Just be ready for Game 2.” This focus on the next game highlights the Cavaliers’ resolve to bounce back and compete in the series.
The Associated Press reports that the Cavaliers’ shooting struggles contributed to their loss, with the team making just 23.7% from beyond the arc. Mitchell, who was 13 of 30 from the field, made only one of his 11 3-point attempts.
In conclusion, Donovan Mitchell’s record-breaking performance serves as a testament to his skill and dedication. However, the Cavaliers’ loss to the Pacers underscores the competitive nature of the NBA playoffs, where individual achievements can be overshadowed by team results.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Source: Associated Press
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