Donovan Mitchell's 71-point game, by the numbers: Cavaliers star sets career-high, franchise record in OT win

Benyam Kidane

Donovan Mitchell's 71-point game, by the numbers: Cavaliers star sets career-high, franchise record in OT win image

Donovan Mitchell rewrote the record books with one of the best scoring performances in recent history. 

Mitchell now owns the highest single game score among active players after exploding for a career-high 71 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied from 21 points down to secure a 145-135 overtime win over the Chicago Bulls.

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He added 11 assists, and eight rebounds on the night, sending the game into overtime with an incredible play, getting his own rebound off the missed free throw and putting it back in with just three seconds remaining in regulation.

He went on to score 13 points in the extra period, capping off his masterful performance with the W on a night the Cavs were without two key starters in Darius Garland (right thumb sprain) and Evan Mobley (ankle).

“I’ve never been witness to a performance like that live.” Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “We were treated tonight to one of the greatest performances in the history of the NBA.”

As the 26-year-old etched his name in NBA history, let's dive into some of the key records and numbers behind his monster night.  

71: A new Cavs record

Mitchell not only set a new career-high with his 71 points, he also set a franchise record, passing LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in the Cavaliers record books, less than half a season into his tenure in Cleveland. 

Highest-scoring games in Cavaliers history
Rank Player Year Points
1. Donovan Mitchell 2023 71
2 LeBron James 2017 57
  Kyrie Irving 2015 57
4. LeBron James 2005 56
5 Kyrie Irving 2015 55
  LeBron James 2009 55
7 LeBron James 2009 52
  LeBron James 2005 52
9 Darius Garland 2022 51
  LeBron James 2009 51
  LeBron James 2008 51
  LeBron James 2006 51

99: Mitchell does it all

When you put your name alongside only Wilt Chamberlain, you know you've had a good night. 

With his career-high tying 11 assists to go with his 71 points, Mitchell scored or assisted on 99 points for the Cavaliers, the second-most in NBA history behind Chamberlain (104), per Opta Stats.

Mitchell connected on 22-of-34 shots from the field, 7-of-15 from the 3-point line, and 20-of-25 at the free throw line. 

Check out his shot chart below:

Donovan Mitchell shortchart vs. Bulls
NBA.com/Stats

Mitchell joins elite company

The Cavaliers guard is just the seventh player in NBA history to score 70 or more points in a single game, eclipsing the previous high among active players of 70 points, set by Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker. 

Mitchell's 71 points are tied with Elgin Baylor and David Robinson for the eighth-highest score in a single game. 

Highest-scoring single games in NBA history
Rank Player Opponent Year Points
1. Wilt Chamberlain Knicks 1962 100
2. Kobe Bryant Raptors 2006 81
3. Wilt Chamberlain Lakers 1961 78
4. David Thompson Pistons 1978 73
5. Wilt Chamberlain Knicks 1962 73
  Wilt Chamberlain Bulls 1962 73
7. Wilt Chamberlain Lakers 1962 72
8. Donovan Mitchell* Bulls 2023 71
  David Robinson Clippers 1994 71
  Elgin Baylor Knicks 1960 71
11. Devin Booker* Celtics 2017 70
12. Wilt Chamberlain Nationals 1963 70

*Denotes active player

Mitchell leads the NBA

Following tonight's performance, Mitchell now owns the highest-scoring game this season, eclipsing the previous high of 60 points set by Luka Doncic just last week.

Of the 11 50-plus point games this season, only Doncic, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker have recorded multiple 50-point games this season. 

Highest-scoring games in 2022-23
Rank Player Opponent Points
1. Donovan Mitchell Bulls 71
2. Luka Doncic Knicks 60
3. Joel Embiid Jazz 59
4. Devin Booker Pelicans 58
5. Anthony Davis Wizards 55
6. Klay Thompson Hawks 54
7. Joel Embiid Hornets 53
8. Pascal Siakam Knicks 52
9. Devin Booker Bulls 51
  Darius Garland Timberwolves 51
11. Stephen Curry Suns 50
  Luka Doncic Rockets 50

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.