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Donovan Mitchell shocked the world when he scored 71 points in a game last week against the Chicago Bulls. Shaquille O'Neal was impressed with Mitchell but has already issued the next challenge for the Cavaliers superstar.
On The Big Podcast, the crew of Shaq, Nischelle Turner and Anthony "Spice" Adams discussed the current offensive explosion in the NBA. While talking about Mitchell's historic night, O'Neal went on to challenge the player to take the Cavaliers to the next level.
"Donovan Mitchell always had that potential," O'Neal said. "I've always said it. ... I think he's a great player, but he's gonna have to step up and show that. That night he showed me. You got 70. That's good. But can you take your team to the next level? Because at the end of their careers, you're either a winner or a loser."
Shaquille O'Neal had a history of taking shots at Donovan Mitchell when he was with the Utah Jazz. O'Neal once called him 'not that good' of a player before calling him one of his favorite players.
However, the LA Lakers legend then told Mitchell in an interview on Inside the NBA that he doesn't have what it takes to reach the next level. It was an awkward segment, with people criticizing O'Neal for "hating" on Mitchell.
"I said tonight that you are one of my favorite players, but you don't have what it takes to get to the next level," O'Neal said. "I said it on purpose. I wanted you to hear it. What do you have to say about that?"
Donovan Mitchell having the best season of his career
The Cleveland Cavaliers went big in the offseason and acquired Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. Mitchell has taken his game to the next level this season, averaging a career-high 29.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
Mitchell has led the Cavaliers to a 26-16 record this season. They're in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings, behind the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers.
Mitchell has had plenty of support, as he's surrounded by three of the best young players in the NBA today — Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland. The Cavaliers have a chance to make some noise in the postseason, but they need Mitchell to take them to the next level.
Cleveland made the play-in tournament last season before losing to the Nets and Atlanta Hawks. Mitchell only took the Jazz to the second round. Can he take the Cavaliers to their first conference finals since 2018?
Guess the Lakers players!
