Monday night saw extraordinary performances in the NBA, with Donovan Mitchell and LeBron James each making history.
Donovan Mitchell put on an unforgettable show by scoring 71 points, the highest single-game tally since Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game in 2006. His efforts propelled the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 145-134 overtime win against the Chicago Bulls.
Mitchell’s record-setting night marked the most points ever scored in a game by a Cavaliers player and placed him among the elite group of NBA players who have scored 70 or more points in a game. According to the NBA, he is the seventh player to achieve this feat.
The all-time single-game scoring record is held by Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 100 points for Philadelphia against New York on March 2, 1962.
“It’s an honor to be in the record books alongside legends like Wilt,” Mitchell told ESPN. “I’ve always aimed to be one of the league’s best. This is a surreal and humbling experience, and I’m grateful to be among such greatness.”
After his remarkable performance, Mitchell’s teammates showered him with water in celebration, while Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff lauded his achievement as “one of the greatest performances in the history of the game.”
“Every play he made was vital,” Bickerstaff said to ESPN. “Donovan has always put the team first, making him someone everyone roots for. I told the team to let him take the lead.”
Mitchell’s 71 points eclipsed the previous Cavaliers record of 57 points, a mark shared by LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Meanwhile, James also had a historic night.
LeBron James scored 43 points, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 121-115 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. With this performance, James became only the second player aged 35 or older to score 40 or more points in consecutive games, a distinction he shares with Michael Jordan.