Context:

Donovan Mitchell delivered a standout performance for the Cleveland Cavaliers, showcasing his skills with a spectacular dunk in the first half against the Indiana Pacers. Despite the absence of key players like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter due to injuries, Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 21 points, including a nine-point streak highlighted by his impressive dunk. Facing Pascal Siakim near the rim, Mitchell executed a powerful tomahawk dunk, energizing his team and securing a 61-50 lead at halftime. Mitchell's contribution was not limited to scoring, as he also facilitated plays with five assists, demonstrating his leadership on the court. The Cavaliers relied heavily on Mitchell's intense performance to maintain momentum in the absence of other stars during the conference semifinal series.

Dive Deeper:

• Donovan Mitchell played a crucial role for the Cleveland Cavaliers during their game against the Indiana Pacers, stepping up in the absence of injured teammates Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter.

• In the first half, Mitchell scored 21 points, leading the Cavaliers to a 61-50 lead by halftime. His performance included a remarkable nine-point streak, which was punctuated by a highlight-worthy dunk.

• As Mitchell glided down the lane, he faced Pascal Siakim near the rim and executed a powerful tomahawk dunk, showcasing his athletic prowess and energizing his team.

• Beyond his scoring, Mitchell contributed to the team's dynamics by dishing out five assists in the first half, highlighting his playmaking abilities and leadership on the court.

• Mitchell's intensity and performance were vital for the Cavaliers, especially given the context of the conference semifinal series where they trailed after losing Game 1 to the Pacers.

• The Cleveland Cavaliers needed this version of Donovan Mitchell to show up.

• The Cavs were without Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter on Tuesday night due to injury. The Indiana Pacers had already taken Game 1 of the conference semifinal series on Sunday.

• It wasn't going to be only about Mitchell, of course, but this was officially his show.

• And in a standout first half, Mitchell threw down the dunk of his career.

• Gliding down the lane late in the half, Mitchell saw Pascal Siakim waiting near the rim.

• No problem. He cocked it back in his right hand and tomahawked it home.

• DONOVAN MITCHELL OMG!!!!! 😱🤯 pic.twitter.com/kmPfXgVG9e

• — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 7, 2025 Look out below!

• Mitchell concluded the first half with 21 points, including nine in a row punctuated by the dunk, as Cleveland took a 61-50 lead to the intermission.

• He was 8-of-18 from the floor and also dished out five assists in the first half.

• The Cavs would likely want the same in the second half.

• And Mitchell's intensity level is certainly there. The giant dunk proves it.

• MORE: Check out the highest-scoring games of Donovan Mitchell's career