Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson couldn’t hide his admiration for Donovan Mitchell’s performance after the team’s thrilling 115-111 comeback victory over the Boston Celtics. Mitchell’s remarkable 35-point performance, combined with seven rebounds and three assists, played a pivotal role in the Cavaliers overcoming a 14-point deficit in the second half.
The victory was a testament to Mitchell’s resilience and leadership, particularly in the second half. He scored 30 of his points after halftime, with 20 of those coming in a dominant fourth quarter. His ability to stay composed and step up in crunch time proved crucial in securing the win for the Cavs.
Atkinson praised Mitchell's demeanor throughout the game, pointing out the guard’s calmness and poise, even during difficult stretches. "That's Donovan's persona," Atkinson said. "It's amazing, I've never seen a guy like him. He never gets down. You'd think guys would kick the chair or get frustrated. He has a great demeanor about him and never gets too down or too high." This steady approach allowed the Cavaliers to stay in the game, even when things weren’t going their way in the first half.
Mitchell himself reflected on the shift in momentum during the game. He mentioned that a key moment came in the third quarter, when Celtics star Jayson Tatum hit a tough shot over him. "In the third, I felt it then, especially—and I'm going to be selfish when I say this—when [Tatum] hit a shot over me," Mitchell said. “That kind of got me going." The moment lit a fire under Mitchell, who recognized the Celtics were gaining momentum and knew he had to take control of the game.
Entering the fourth quarter with the Cavs still trailing, Mitchell knew the time had come to make his mark. “All right, give me the ball. It’s time to go,” Mitchell said, highlighting his mindset to lead the team and take responsibility for the outcome. Mitchell acknowledged that not every shot would fall, but his determination to contribute aggressively was evident as he attacked the basket, created scoring opportunities, and made key plays down the stretch.
Mitchell’s 35-point performance not only helped the Cavs secure a significant win over one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference but also showcased his growth as a leader and clutch performer. His ability to rise to the occasion in the second half, and particularly in the fourth quarter, cemented his status as one of the league’s most dynamic and impactful players.
With the win, the Cavaliers continued to demonstrate their potential as a serious playoff contender, with Mitchell leading the way. Atkinson’s praise for Mitchell reflected the appreciation for his leadership, mental toughness, and ability to perform under pressure. As the season progresses, performances like this will only strengthen the Cavaliers’ hopes of making a deep playoff run, with Donovan Mitchell at the helm.
