Donovan Mitchell has opened the new season in top form, and his stats have already made a mark on the record books.
The Cavaliers have not quite looked like the same powerhouse they were in the East last year. They have got a 13-9 start to this season.
Mitchell’s numbers this year are starting to stack up with some of the best ever seen from a Cavs player since LeBron James.
He has also given a nod to the progress of young players like Jaylon Tyson, backing up his leadership role as well as his play.
Even so, it has been Mitchell’s consistency and big moments that have really kept Cleveland in the mix early on.
Donovan Mitchell hits new milestone with historic start to the season
Mitchell’s hot start continued during the Cleveland win over Indiana, where he finished with 43 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists.
He joined Curry as the only player in league history to average 30 points on 50% shooting, with at least 80 three-pointers made through his first 20 games of a season.
The numbers tell an even more impressive story when you look at them alongside NBA greats. The only other player in Cavaliers history to average 30 points per game through his first 20 games of the season is LeBron James, who did it during the 2006-07 season. And he has not looked back since.
While there are still things for Cleveland to iron out as a group, individually, Mitchell has been nothing short of superb.
Donovan Mitchell’s early-season form powering Cavaliers’ offence
‘Spida’ Mitchell has emerged as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ most vital player this season. His proficiency in shouldering the offensive load has proven essential to Kenny Atkinson’s game plan.
The numbers back up his impact, with Mitchell averaging 30.6 points per game on 50.8% shooting, while also contributing with five rebounds and five assists each night.
Cleveland struggled out of the gate, but they are starting to settle into a better run of form now. If they can keep it going, Mitchell will be central to everything they do.
If the Cavs want to build on this turnaround and push deeper into playoff contention, keeping the 29-year-old healthy and involved will be absolutely key.
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