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Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell made history on Monday night during Cleveland’s 145-134 overtime win over Chicago. Mitchell finished with a Cavs franchise-record 71 points to go along with eight rebounds and 11 assists on 64.7% shooting.
Mitchell’s performance also marked the highest-scoring performance in a game since NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s historic 81-point game almost 17 years ago. Many were amazed by Mitchell’s career night, however, Brooklyn Nets All-Star guard Kyrie Irving hinted that he somewhat saw it coming.
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Irving said that he and Mitchell played Call of Duty together on Monday afternoon before Mitchell dropped 71 against Chicago. Irving reportedly said that he knew Mitchell was already locked in entering the night. He added that he was happy for Mitchell to break his all-time scoring record in Cleveland.
“Kyrie Irving said he and Donovan Mitchell were playing Call of Duty this afternoon and that he knew Mitchell was ‘locked in.’ Said he’s happy Mitchell broke his Cavs record, and that records are meant to be broken,” Bontemps said.
Kyrie Irving played six years with the Cavaliers after being drafted No. 1 by Cleveland in 2011. He had a lot of electric performances during his time with the franchise. This included Irving setting the Cavs’ former franchise record for points in a game with 57 points against San Antonio on March 12, 2015.
Irving’s record was later tied by former Cavs superstar LeBron James, who scored 57 points against Washington on Nov. 3, 2017.
Donovan Mitchell not only surpassed Irving and James’ record, he blew it out of the water. Mitchell became the first Cavs player to score both 60 and 70 points in a game. But like Irving said, records are meant to be broken.
Donovan Mitchell reacts to report about him and Kyrie Irving
Following reports that Kyrie Irving said Donovan Mitchell was locked in entering his historic night, Mitchell responded to the news on Twitter. Mitchell joked that Irving told him and Nets wing Royce O’Neale to take a nap prior to their respective games on Monday night.
“Bruh told me and @BucketsONeale00 to take that nap😂😂😂 @KyrieIrving,” Mitchell said.
As for Mitchell’s thoughts on his own performance, he was just honored that his name is now being mentioned alongside NBA legends like Wilt Chamberlain.
“To be there in the record book with guys like Wilt is truly humbling,” Mitchell said.
“I always believed I could be one of the best players in the league. I’m speechless and blessed to be in the company of that greatness,” Mitchell continued.
The Cavaliers have ended their three-game losing streak with this win. They will face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday before embarking on a difficult five-game road trip that includes games against the Suns and the Denver Nuggets on Friday.
Also read: Fans go berserk as Donovan Mitchell erupts for 71 points against Chicago Bulls
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