The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a strong start this season and continue to establish themselves as a top contender in the Eastern Conference, thanks in large part to MVP-caliber performances from star guard Donovan Mitchell.
The six-time All-Star delivered yet another spectacular outing Monday night, erupting for 43 points to lead the Cavs to a 135–119 rout of the Indiana Pacers, and join LeBron James in an elite list.
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Donovan Mitchell Ties LeBron James’ Elite Franchise Record
The Cavaliers, coming off three consecutive losses, desperately needed a win on Monday night. Compounding their challenge was the absence of Darius Garland, Max Strus, Jarrett Allen, Sam Merrill, Larry Nance Jr., and Lonzo Ball.
But none of that mattered. Cleveland never allowed the Pacers a moment to breathe as Mitchell put on a masterclass, scoring 43 points with nine rebounds and six assists in just 34 minutes, quashing every Pacers run before it could gain momentum. When Indiana cut the lead to six late in the third quarter, Mitchell opened the fourth with a personal 5–0 burst, and then the Cavs did the rest.
SPIDA THROUGH CONTACT FOR 41 🤯
Watch on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/fdEeXh7pdR pic.twitter.com/Nfc2lOAUDI
— NBA (@NBA) December 2, 2025
With this performance, Mitchell is averaging 30.6 points, five rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game through the first 20 games of the season. He becomes only the second Cavalier to achieve these numbers in that span, joining LeBron James, who averaged 30.7 points per game over the first 20 games of the 2005-06 season.
Mitchell also joined Stephen Curry as the only players in NBA history to average at least 30 PPG, shoot 50% from the field, and make 80+ three-pointers in the first 20 games of a season.
Donovan Mitchell also joined LeBron James tonight as the only players in Cavs history to average at least 30 PPG through the first 20 games played in a season.
James averaged 30.7 PPG during the first 20 games of the 2005-06 season. https://t.co/qlw7MjBeNT
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) December 2, 2025
The win improves the Cavaliers to 13-9, placing them sixth in the Eastern Conference.
“Honestly, this is what we should be doing,” Mitchell said postgame. “I don’t think this is anything to celebrate. … We should be coming out here doing this all the time, that’s what disappointing about the past 3 games.”
On the key to success, he added: “Energy, effort, competing.”
Last season, the Cavaliers were the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, finishing with 64 wins. Mitchell, Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley all had All-Star-caliber seasons for a franchise that seemingly rebuilt its championship ceiling in head coach Kenny Atkinson’s first year.
Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Cavs were expected to continue their momentum as one of the Eastern Conference favorites alongside the New York Knicks. Through 22 games, despite injuries across the roster, they have lived up to expectations and appear poised for a deep playoff run.