Mitchell’s 24-Point Surge Leads Cavs to Dramatic 130-126 Victory

URGENT UPDATE: Donovan Mitchell delivered a stunning performance, scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter to propel the Cleveland Cavaliers to a thrilling 130-126 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night. Trailing by 15 points entering the final period, Mitchell’s relentless drive turned the game around, showcasing why he is a pivotal player for the Cavs.

In an intense showdown at the Capital One Arena, Mitchell’s 48-point total marked a career-high for the season. He began the fourth quarter with an explosive 11 points in just over two minutes, igniting a comeback that stunned the Wizards, who now hold a dismal record of 3-20. “Be aggressive,” Mitchell stated post-game. “Can’t really lose this game coming out of the break.”

With both teams coming off a five-day layoff, the Cavaliers struggled initially, hitting only 15-of-53 from beyond the arc. However, Mitchell’s impressive 8-for-15 performance from three-point range was pivotal in the comeback. This fourth quarter surge not only secured the win but also set the season’s mark for the highest-scoring fourth quarter in the NBA, surpassing 22 points by Orlando’s Jett Howard on November 23.

The Cavs faced significant adversity, trailing by as much as 17 points during a third quarter where they allowed a staggering 40 points. With 100-85 on the scoreboard entering the final quarter, Mitchell’s determination shone through as he tied the game at 122 with a critical three-pointer, followed by a crucial basket that gave Cleveland the lead with just a minute remaining.

Mitchell’s performance ties him for the second-most points scored in a fourth quarter by a Cavaliers player since the play-by-play era began in the 1997-98 season, matching a record previously held by LeBron James. The only player to score more in that time frame is Darius Garland, who had 27 points in a loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves in November 2023.

Despite the victory, Mitchell acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “That can’t happen. We can’t be in that position… We have to figure it out.” The Cavs will need to address their defensive shortcomings to avoid future struggles against lesser teams.

As the Cavaliers look ahead, fans will be eager to see if Mitchell can maintain this momentum and lead the team to greater success. With the regular season underway, every game counts, and Mitchell’s performance tonight underscores the urgency for the Cavaliers to strengthen their game as they head deeper into the season.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Cavs and their quest for a playoff position as they continue to battle through the season.