38 Points and a Filthy Ankle-Breaker: Donovan Mitchell Just Reminded the NBA Why the Cavs Are Scary Right Now

Donovan Mitchell dropped two Pacers defenders on their backside with a crossover so clean the Cavs had to post the slow-mo footage just to prove it actually happened. Then he dropped 38 points on Indiana's head in a 117-108 win that felt less like a playoff tuneup and more like a statement.

This is what happens when you add James Harden to a roster that already has Damian Lillard and a guy like Mitchell playing at his peak. The Cavaliers have officially locked in a playoff spot this season, and Sunday's performance against the Pacers showed exactly why that's terrifying for the rest of the Eastern Conference.

Mitchell's 38-Point Night Is Starting to Feel Like Routine

Mitchell didn't just pad the stat sheet. He was efficient, deadly, and at times untouchable. Six rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a shooting performance that made Indiana's defense look foolish. That 38-point outing marked his 33rd 30-point game of the season. Let that sink in. Thirty-three times this year, Mitchell has put up 30 or more. And oh yeah, he just became the 12th player in franchise history to reach 7,000 points in a Cavaliers uniform. That's Hall of Fame territory we're talking about.

Harden wasn't exactly taking a back seat either. The addition that raised Cleveland's ceiling so dramatically chipped in 28 points, seven assists, three steals, and four rebounds. When your second star is putting up numbers like that, the rest of the league has a serious problem.

The Ankle Scare That Had Cavs Fans Holding Their Breath

Late in the game, after drilling a three-pointer from the left corner, Mitchell rolled his ankle. The moment it happened, every Cleveland fan in the building probably stopped breathing. Losing Mitchell now would be devastating. You don't lock in a playoff spot and then watch your best player get shelved.

But Mitchell came through with the reassurance everyone needed. After the game, he confirmed he was feeling fine. No serious issue. Just a scare that could have been so much worse. With the Cavs sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference at 49-29, staying healthy is everything.

Watch for Mitchell against the Pacers again soon. The Cavaliers are locked in, and they're showing no signs of slowing down.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.