Donovan Mitchell of the Cavs reminds the Pacers, the NBA that the best pass is in victory

The Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back strongly from a recent loss, securing a 127-117 win over the Indiana Pacers on the road at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers had ended the Cavs’ 12-game winning streak just a few days before. In this rematch, the roles are reversed. The The Cavs avenged their earlier loss in this winending the Pacers’ six-game winning streak. However, this game represented more than just a jump for Cleveland – it served as a strong reminder from superstar Donovan Mitchell‘s status as one of the elite players in the NBA.

Appearing revitalized, Mitchell ignited the Cavs’ offense, scoring 12 of Cleveland’s first 18 points. He dazzled in the first quarter, scoring a whopping 19 points, his most in a first quarter this season. Notably, this impressive performance matched his game-high point total in a loss that ended the Cavs’ winning streak. So going into this away match, Mitchell clearly had hatred in his heart and revenge on his mind.

“The way we lost just wasn’t us.” We were not what we were. I wasn’t who I was,” Mitchell said of his aggressive mindset. “It feels like a playoff game. If you lose one there, you must return it to their crib. I feel like, for me, just to set that tone. Not everything will necessarily be like tonight. I always tell you it won’t always be 35 or whatever it is. But I’m just trying to be aggressive early and play the right game.”

Donovan Mitchell dominates for the Cavs against the Pacers

Mitchell has embraced a slightly different role this season. He gladly retired, focusing on raising and strengthening his younger teammates, Dario Garland and Evan Mobley.

As a result, Mitchell’s statistical performance declined; entered the matchup against the Pacers with his lowest scoring average and fewest shot attempts since his rookie season. His struggle to break the 20-point barrier in the first four games of January was concerning. Against Indiana, however, Mitchell provided a powerful reminder of his shooting prowess and individual brilliance, proving he can still light up the scoreboard.

“This year is different. It requires a lot of different things,” Mitchell said. “I feel like the easy way might just be like, ‘Oh yeah, I’m going to go out there and do this or that.’ But I do what I’m asked to do and I don’t really care about the perception of it. We win at a high level. I think the only thing that will remain the same is aggression. There will be nights like this and there will be nights where I continue to lead in different ways. Maybe not the way everyone is used to me doing it. But we are winning. We’re the league with the best record, so obviously it’s working.”

Mitchell finished the game with an impressive 35 points, shooting 12 of 23 from the field and 3 of 9 from beyond the arc. This is his first 30-point performance since the Cavs beat the Denver Nuggets on the road. It is only the second time he has reached this milestone in the last five weeks. So, while he’s still having a quiet season, Mitchell clearly has this kind of scoring in him. Hopefully he saves the best for last when the Cavs make a deep playoff run later this season.