The Cleveland Cavaliers‘ opening game of the new NBA season wasn’t a successful one for them, as they lost to the Toronto Raptors, 108-105.
They lost a lead they held for much of the contest, and they also lost All-Star guard Darius Garland to a left eye injury late in the second quarter.
However, there was a big bright spot for Cleveland on Wednesday, and his name was Donovan Mitchell.
He was a revelation, as he went for 31 points on 12-of-21 shooting and nine assists.
🕸 Donovan Mitchell dropped 31 PTS & 9 AST in his @cavs debut! #KiaTipOff22 pic.twitter.com/vYu1Y81HC9
— NBA (@NBA) October 20, 2022
Many feel the big trade for Mitchell has turned the Cavs into dark-horse contenders in the Eastern Conference this season.
Despite the loss, fans are clearly pleased with the impact he has already made on the team.
Donovan Mitchell makes this team so dangerous pic.twitter.com/gjwsZSMO7a
— Tony Pesta (@Tony_Pesta) October 20, 2022
These two fans don’t miss Collin Sexton, an ultra-skilled guard Cleveland gave up for Mitchell.
Donovan Mitchell is an even better version of the player people on here pretended Sexton was.
— Nick Fink (@finkn23) October 20, 2022
Donovan Mitchell is Collin Sexton times like 8.
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) October 20, 2022
One man from WKYC, Cleveland’s NBC affiliate, is very high on Mitchell and what he will do for the Cavs.
Some people said Donovan Mitchell didn’t fill an actual need for the Cavs and I’d argue he filled the biggest.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) October 20, 2022
The thing about Donovan Mitchell is he’s a legitimate star. You’re going to get this from him every night.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) October 20, 2022
Assuming Garland is OK after suffering his eye ailment on Wednesday, Cleveland now possesses not only one of the best but also one of the most exciting starting backcourts in basketball.
Combine that with a possible future superstar big man in Evan Mobley, as well as a very solid defensive center in Jarrett Allen, and Cleveland suddenly looks like a very formidable team.
It is likely a few years away from its true potential, as Mitchell is 26, Garland is 22 and Mobley is 21.
It will take a little while for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to mold this cast into a unit that can truly contend for a world championship.
But in the meantime, everyone in Ohio should buckle up and enjoy what should be the most exciting season of Cavs basketball since LeBron James‘ second departure.
NEXT: The Cavaliers Are Already Getting A Lot More Interest