Jason Miller/Getty Images

Donovan Mitchell praised by NBA Fans for Dominant Game 1 as Cavs Beat Banchero, Magic

Julia Stumbaugh

Playoff Donovan Mitchell is back.

Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers with 30 points during Saturday's 97-83 Game 1 win over Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic.

The five-time All-Star appeared to have recovered from the nasal fracture and knee injury he suffered earlier this season as the Cavaliers took a 1-0 lead in the first-round series.

Mitchell started off hot with 10 points in the first quarter.

He finished the game having shot 11-for-21 from the field while adding three steals, three assists and two rebounds.

His energy throughout the victory led viewers to question trade rumors surrounding Mitchell, who after this postseason has one year remaining on his contract.

Mitchell's dominance also led Cavaliers fans to predict the team's first deep playoff run since 2018.

Mitchell wasn't the only Cavaliers player with a strong showing in Game 1.

Four starters finished the outing with a double-digit points total. That included 30 points combined from Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, as well as a double-double and 18 rebounds from Jarrett Allen.

Some fans saw Allen's performance as redemption from last postseason, when he struggled during the Cavs' first-round loss to the New York Knicks.

Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 24 points in the loss.

The Cavaliers and Magic meet again Monday in Cleveland. Game 2 tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET.

   

Read 59 Comments

Download the app for comments Get the B/R app to join the conversation

Install the App
×
Bleacher Report
(120K+)