Donovan Mitchell delivered a stellar performance with a season-best 45 points, propelling the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 111-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA’s third regular-season game in Paris.
Mitchell’s exceptional game, his 16th time scoring over 40 points with the Cavaliers, was marked by 12 rebounds, six assists, and four steals. This feat places him alongside LeBron James as the only Cavaliers to achieve at least 45 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a single game. Looking ahead, Mitchell expressed his desire to join the ranks of U.S. men’s basketball Olympic gold medalists, especially with Paris hosting the upcoming Olympics.
“I’d love to come back and play in the Olympics,” Mitchell said. “This city is a very electric basketball city.”
The Cavaliers maintained a lead throughout the game, thanks to Mitchell’s impressive start and his 21-point contribution in the fourth quarter, which included four successful 3-pointers. Nets coach Jacque Vaughn lauded Mitchell’s game-changing scoring ability.
“We did some really good things in the second half and his ability to just put that ball in the hole is a difference maker,” Vaughn said.
Supporting the team’s victory, Caris LeVert scored 21 points, and Jarrett Allen secured 12 points and 12 rebounds, marking his eighth consecutive double-double. This victory, a part of the Cavaliers’ first regular-season game outside North America, extends their winning streak to four, improving their record to 9-3 since December 16.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
For the Nets, Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas each contributed 26 points. Despite their efforts, the team struggled, matching their season’s worst first-half score with 34 points and losing 12 of their last 15 games. Lonnie Walker IV added vitality off the bench with 20 points.
The game, attended by French soccer star Kylian Mbappé and former NBA players Tony Parker and Joakim Noah, was part of the NBA’s continued commitment to international markets. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted the potential of a strong U.S. team for the upcoming Olympics and announced plans for the NBA’s return to France next season, possibly with multiple games.
“I think a love of competition and a love of this market, seemingly all the marquee U.S. NBA players want to participate,” Silver said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Mitchell’s early six points set the tone for the Cavaliers, leading to a 54-34 halftime advantage and a 60-34 lead early in the third quarter. Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised Mitchell’s readiness for the significant occasion.
“I think Donovan came out ready for the moment,” Bickerstaff said. “We talked about beforehand how special this game was to be a part of, what it means for the NBA to select you to come over here and represent the league and the game of basketball on a worldwide stage, and I thought Donovan was phenomenal at giving the audience and us what they came to see and what we needed to go and win the game.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
The game also saw Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson ejected for a flagrant foul on Nets center Nic Claxton. The Cavaliers faced challenges with Evan Mobley and Darius Garland out due to injuries and lost Max Strus in the third quarter to knee soreness.
Looking forward, the Nets will host the Miami Heat on Monday, while the Cavaliers will play against the Chicago Bulls on the same day.
