Donovan Mitchell stats tonight: How did Cavaliers star perform in Game 1 against Pacers? (May 4)

Donovan Mitchell led the charge for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they opened up their second-round series against the Indiana Pacers. During the Cavs' Round 1 sweep of the Miami Heat, Mitchell filled the stat sheets with 23.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

Against the loaded backcourt of the Pacers, Mitchell had to find an extra gear as his All-Star running mate Darius Garland remained out of action with a left toe sprain. All eyes were on Mitchell as he went up against the likes of Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard.

Despite a spirited effort from Mitchell, the Cavaliers were defeated by the Pacers 121-112 on their own home floor. Mitchell had 33 points (13-for-30 from the field, 1-for-11 from deep), five rebounds, four assists, and one steal in this Game 1 loss.

At the end of the first quarter, Mitchell had nine points on 4-for-8 shooting from the field (1-for-4 from deep). He did not have any rebounds or assists in this quarter. Though Spida added six points to his tally before the halftime break, he continued to struggle from beyond the arc. Mitchell's stat line after the first 24 minutes of action was 15 points on 43.8% shooting (1-for-6 from three-point distance), along with two assists.

Off the halftime break, Mitchell continued to carry the Cavaliers on his back, pouring in 12 points to help Cleveland eventually seize the lead. On two occasions, he also set up his big man Jarrett Allen for baskets in the paint.

In the fourth quarter, however, Spida mustered just six points. A layup from Mitchell cut the Pacers' lead to three with 4:50 left, but that was the closest that Cleveland would come as the Pacers took full control of the game in crunchtime.

Donovan Mitchell sets playoff record amidst Cavaliers' Game 1 loss

Though the 121-112 outcome was not what the Cavaliers had in mind for Game 1, Mitchell proved his individual brilliance yet again with an impressive playoff streak that he has quietly put together.

Mitchell's 33-point output on Sunday was his eighth consecutive Game 1 performance with at least 30 points. As per NBA.com, this is the longest streak of Game 1 30-pieces in league history.

The six-time All-Star, of course, is focused on the ultimate priority of getting his team four wins in this second-round series with a formidable Indiana squad.