2 studs and 2 duds for Cavs in big comeback win over Pacers on Friday

1 of 3

For most of the evening, the Cleveland Cavaliers were down to the Indiana Pacers by six to 12 points. It was one of those games where the team was making some careless turnovers and not playing very good defense, especially in the paint. But by the fourth quarter, playing in front of the friendly home crowd at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Wine and Gold were able to mount another tremendous comeback on the back of their new potential MVP of the league in Donovan Mitchell, and ran away from Indiana 118-112.

Mitchell’s shooting, the assists from Darius Garland, the rebounding of big man Evan Mobley and the team’s lockdown defense in the last stanza of the game all helped in the big win. This now gives the Cavs a nice 19-11 record, including a 13-2 record at home. The team plays the next five games at home so with that as a great Christmas gift, they should be able to continue expanding their lead in the Eastern Conference. They currently sit in the No. 3 spot behind the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics.

Here are a few players that were either a stud or a dud in the game.

Cavs stud No. 1: Donovan Mitchell

The Cavs radio broadcast called Mitchell’s performance Friday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse another “majestic” one. Mitchell poured in 41 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter. When his team needed him the most, he was able to provide again like he has so often this season. Mitchell continues to be very consistent with his output most nights on the court.

He’s currently averaging 29.7 points, which is a career-high by more than three points. Part of that has to do with his shooting averages right now. He’s close to 51 % on all shot attempts. He’s at 56% on two-point attempts and 44% on three-point attempts. All these are career bests. His free throw shooting is also stellar, where he’s at 90% on the season.

Mitchell has now scored 30 or more points in 23 of the 26 games he’s played in. When chants of “MVP” start happening all around the arena it’s because they are warranted. He should be considered this season as not only the MVP of the Cavs but in the league as well.

The last player in a Cleveland uniform to show so much consistency on a nightly basis was LeBron James and Mitchell has become the new “King” of the team. The crown is his and it’s been a treat for fans to witness these days.