Donovan Mitchell stats today: Cavaliers point guard threatens Cleveland's playoff points record in loss to Pacers
Context:
Donovan Mitchell delivered a standout performance for the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers, nearly matching his career playoff high with 48 points. Despite missing key players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, Mitchell led his team with exceptional scoring, including a spectacular dunk over Pascal Siakam. However, the Cavaliers narrowly lost the game 120-119, as Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton scored decisive points in the final seconds. Mitchell's efforts brought him close to LeBron James' franchise playoff record of 51 points, set during the 2018 Finals. The Pacers now lead the series 2-0, despite Mitchell's heroics on the court.
Dive Deeper:
Donovan Mitchell was forced to take on a leadership role for the Cavaliers in Game 2 against the Pacers due to the absence of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter. He rose to the occasion by scoring 48 points, the highest of any player in the game.
Mitchell's performance included a highlight-reel dunk over Pascal Siakam, contributing to his 21 points in just 18 minutes of play. He continued to impact the game throughout, scoring in various ways to keep his team competitive.
Despite his impressive scoring output, which almost matched his career playoff high of 50 points, the Cavaliers were unable to secure a victory. The game ended with the Pacers narrowly defeating them 120-119, thanks to crucial points scored by Tyrese Haliburton in the final moments.
Mitchell's 48-point performance is the second time he has surpassed 40 points in a postseason game, illustrating his ability to perform under pressure in critical playoff scenarios.
The Cavaliers are now trailing 2-0 in the series against the Pacers, despite Mitchell's efforts. The team will need to regroup and strategize to overcome the deficit in the remaining games of the series.
With Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and DeAndre Hunter out for Game 2, Cavaliers point guard Donovan Mitchell was going to have to play hero against the Pacers.
Mitchell threatened his career high in playoff points, as he finished the game with 48 points to lead all players. He also almost matched LeBron James' Cavaliers playoff record of 51 points, which James totaled in the 2018 Finals.
However, it wasn't enough to pull off the victory. Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton scored four points in the final 12 seconds to steal the game away and leave Cleveland with a 120-119 victory and 2-0 series lead. Still, Mitchell did all he could to lead Cleveland, even though they came up short.
Here's a look at Mitchell's performance in the Game 2 loss.
Donovan Mitchell stats vs. Pacers Game 2
- Points: 48
- Rebounds: 5
- Assists: 9
- Steals: 4
- FGM-FGA: 15-30
- 3PM-3PA: 1-7
- FTM-FTA: 17-21
Donovan Mitchell highlights
Mitchell's night was highlighted by a massive dunk late in the second quarter when the point guard dunked over Pacers forward Pascal Siakam.OH MY GOODNESS DONOVAN MITCHELL 🤯
He's now up to 21 points in 18 minutes on TNT! pic.twitter.com/Hw5tXMi5rv— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025 However, Mitchell's night was more than just the dunk, as he produced for the Cavaliers all over the court to lead the team without Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
CLEAR THE RUNWAY FOR SPIDA 😤😤
IND/CLE Game 2 is now LIVE on TNT! pic.twitter.com/ySSJQhyVgC— NBA (@NBA) May 6, 2025
Spin... fake... AND-1!!!
8 quick points for Donovan in the first quarter 🤩
📺 IND/CLE Game 2 on TNT pic.twitter.com/HAR6tCgRbD— NBA (@NBA) May 6, 2025
DONOVAN. MITCHELL. AGAIN. FOR 29!
📺 IND (1-0) CLE I Game 2 on TNT pic.twitter.com/DJ6fTuNi0U— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025
SPIDA THROUGH CONTACT 💪
He has 36 points through the 3Q on TNT! pic.twitter.com/Ci6vcEz1FF— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket
Donovan Mitchell playoff points career high
Mitchell's career high in points during a playoff game is 50, which he did against the Magic last year. however, Mitchell's 48 points on Tuesday night is now his second-most in the playoffs and the second time he surpassed 40 in a postseason game.Cavaliers-Pacers series schedule
Date Game Time (ET) TV Channel May 4 Game 1: Pacers 121, Cavaliers 112 -- -- May 6 Game 2: Pacers 120, Cavaliers 119 -- -- May 9 Game 3: Cavaliers @ Pacers 7:30 p.m. ESPN May 11 Game 4: Cavaliers @ Pacers 8:00 p.m. TNT May 13 Game 5: Pacers @ Cavaliers TBD TNT May 15 Game 6: Cavaliers @ Pacers TBD TBD May 18 Game 7: Pacers @ Cavaliers TBD TBD