Donovan Mitchell caught fire early, propelling the Cleveland Cavaliers to continue their hot streak while sending the Orlando Magic reeling to their fourth straight loss.
Donovan Mitchell is staking his claim as an All-Star reserve.
The 29-year-old unloaded 26 of his 41 points in the first half, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their fourth-straight win with a 114-98 triumph over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, January 27 (PH time).
This marked Mitchell’s fifth 40-point game of the season, anchoring Cleveland’s surge with their sixth victory in the last seven games.
The 29-year-old finished sixth in All-Star voting, narrowly missing out on a starter spot led by conference top vote-getter in Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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Since the All-Star announcements last week, Mitchell has been averaging an eye-popping 31.4 points per game, helping the Cavaliers improve to 28-20 after a slow start to the season.
For Orlando (23-22), Paolo Banchero led the way with 37 points, while Desmond Bane added 19 and Anthony Black chipped in 14.
Cleveland now aims for a fifth straight win when they host the visiting LA Lakers (27-17), while the Magic travel to Miami to take on the Heat (25-22).
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.