The Cleveland Cavaliers have won two of the first three games of the new NBA season, and there is plenty of optimism that they’re poised for a deep playoff run.
The biggest reason is the play of Donovan Mitchell, who has come out of the gates aggressively to start his tenure with the team.
Through these first three contests, he is averaging 33.3 points and 7.0 assists per game while shooting 49.3 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from 3-point range.
The Cavs got him to be a ready-made star who will explode when needed, and he has delivered those exact qualities.
On Saturday, Mitchell went off for 32 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists as Cleveland routed the Chicago Bulls in Illinois, 128-96.
Donovan Mitchell powered the @cavs to the win dropping 32 PTS! #KiaTipOff22
🕷 @spidadmitchell: 32 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST, 4 3PM pic.twitter.com/IuXLRdLO8d
— NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2022
A Perfect Start
He may not be a true superstar, at least in the minds of some, but he is a very explosive player who can catalyze and electrify an entire team, not to mention an entire fan base.
One thing that has made Mitchell’s play even more impressive is the fact that he’s done all this mostly without fellow All-Star guard Darius Garland, who left the team’s opening contest early with an eye injury.
Mitchell’s exploits have the ability to open things up not only for Garland when he returns but also for second-year big man Evan Mobley.
Many feel Mobley has superstar potential, and it helps when such a prospect has two explosive scoring guards such as Mitchell and Garland who attract lots of defensive attention and get him the ball for lots of easy baskets.
Cavs fans have every reason to be excited not only about this season, but the next several as well.
NEXT: Cedi Osman Off To A Strong Start With The Cavaliers