Donovan Mitchell Scores Record 24 in Fourth, Cavs Rally Past Wizards

UPDATE: In a thrilling comeback, Donovan Mitchell exploded for 24 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 130-126 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night. Down by 15 points entering the final period, the Cavaliers showcased resilience as they avoided a shocking loss to one of the NBA’s struggling teams.

Mitchell’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, finishing with a total of 48 points, marking the highest-scoring fourth quarter in the NBA this season. He surpassed the previous record of 22 points set by Orlando’s Jett Howard on November 23, 2023, against Boston. “Be aggressive,” Mitchell emphasized post-game. “Can’t really lose this game coming out of the break.”

Despite a challenging shooting night, the Cavaliers managed to rally after shooting just 15-of-53 from three-point range. Mitchell’s impressive 8-for-15 from beyond the arc was crucial in turning the tide. The Wizards fell to an alarming 3-20 for the season, struggling to maintain their footing against a determined Cavaliers squad.

Entering the fourth quarter trailing 100-85, Mitchell scored 11 points in merely 2.5 minutes, igniting the comeback. His 3-pointer tied the game at 122 before he secured the lead with a crucial basket in the final minute. “We found a way,” he said, capturing the essence of the team’s fighting spirit.

In a moment of tension, the 6-foot-3 guard faced off in a jump ball against the 6-foot-11 Marvin Bagley III. Although both players mis-timed their jumps, the ball landed with Lonzo Ball, who sealed the victory with two free throws.

While Mitchell celebrated the comeback, he acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “That can’t happen. We can’t be in that position.” The Cavaliers must learn from this experience to avoid falling behind against stronger opponents.

This remarkable performance further solidifies Mitchell’s league-leading average of 9.6 points in the fourth quarter, showcasing his clutch ability in high-pressure situations. The Cavaliers look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchup, while the Wizards will seek to turn their season around after yet another defeat.

Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA season unfolds!