Mitchell 48 points: The playoff feat in the history of the Cavaliers, second only to James 49 points

On May 7, 2025, the NBA Playoff Eastern Conference Semi-Finals G2, the Cavaliers play against the Pacers at home. In this heart-wrenching game, Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell staged a scoring feast, playing for 36 minutes, 15 of 30 shots, 1 of 7 three-pointers and 17 of 21 free throws, scoring 48 points with super high efficiency, and contributing comprehensive data of 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals and 1 block. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers were finally defeated by the Pacers 119-120.

Mitchell's 48 points became the second highest score in the Cavaliers' playoffs, second only to the 49 points LeBron James scored against the Magic in 2009. This feat undoubtedly made Mitchell's name shine in the history of the Cavaliers, and also allowed fans to witness his strong strength as a super scorer once again. At the beginning of the game, the Cavaliers quickly got into the state under the leadership of Mitchell and established a double-digit lead in the first quarter. Mitchell showed off his excellent offensive form in the first quarter, scoring 12 points in a single quarter, helping the team lead the Pacers by 17 points 32-15. The Pacers tried to fight back in the second quarter, but Mitchell still maintained an efficient offensive performance. At the end of the half, the Cavaliers continued to lead 61-50, and Mitchell contributed 21 points and 5 assists in the first half.

The change of sides and the fight continued, Mitchell's offensive firepower remained unabated. He scored 15 points on 5 of 6 shots in the third quarter, leading the Cavaliers to continue to expand their lead. After three quarters, the Cavaliers led 98-84. However, the situation suddenly changed in the fourth quarter, and the Pacers launched a crazy counterattack under the leadership of Halliburton, gradually narrowing the score gap. At the critical moment, Mitchell was still ruthless and kept scoring the team through breakthroughs and free throws, but in the last moment of the game, the Pacers' Halliburton completed a magical three-pointer, making Mitchell's 48 points an empty score.

Despite losing the game, Mitchell's performance is still worthy of the book. He showed his strong personal ability and leadership temperament in the game. In the unfavorable situation of the three main players of the Cavaliers Garland, Mobley and Hunter being absent due to injuries, he took on the team's offensive banner and almost competed with the Pacers' team alone. His scoring methods are rich and diverse. Whether it is a sharp breakthrough layup, an accurate mid-range jump shot, or a stable free throw at the free throw line, it makes the Pacers' defense difficult to resist. Especially his 21-17 free throw line shows that he is still able to maintain calm and stable scoring ability under high intensity confrontations.

In addition, while setting a personal scoring record, Mitchell also achieved several milestones. This is the second time he scored 40+ in a single game in the playoffs in his Cavaliers career, becoming the third player in the Cavaliers history to score 40+ in the playoffs many times, second only to James and Irving. At the same time, this is also his sixth time in his career in the playoffs to score 40+ in a single game, tied with Jokic and Murray to tie for eleventh in active service. He also became the second player in playoff history to score at least 48 points + 5 rebounds + 9 assists + 4 steals, only Westbrook has played such numbers in the playoffs.

Mitchell's 48-point performance reminds people of James' brilliant performance during the Cavaliers. As one of the greatest players in the Cavaliers' history, James has staged a good show of riding alone in the playoffs many times, and Mitchell is now moving along James' footsteps and becoming the Cavaliers' new hope in the playoffs. Although the Cavaliers are currently behind the Pacers 0-2, Mitchell's outstanding performance still makes fans look forward to the team's future. I believe that under the leadership of Mitchell, the Cavaliers will have the opportunity to create more glory in the playoffs in the future, and Mitchell will continue to write his own legendary story in the chapters of the Cavaliers' history.

49 points — James 2009 against the Magic

48 points — Mitchell 25 against the Pacers

46 points — James 222 2018 against the Pacers

46 points — James 222 2018 against the Celtics

45 points — James 222 2018 against the Wizards

45 points — James 222 2018 against the Pacers