Donovan Mitchell Scores 24 in Final Quarter, Leads Cavs to Comeback Win

UPDATE: In a thrilling fourth-quarter performance, Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a comeback victory against the Washington Wizards, finishing the game with 48 points in a nail-biting 130-126 win on Friday night.

With only one quarter left and trailing by 15 points, Mitchell harnessed a sense of urgency, stating, “Be aggressive. Can’t really lose this game coming out of the break.” His explosive final period marked the highest-scoring fourth quarter in the NBA this season, surpassing the 22 points scored by Jett Howard of Orlando on November 23, 2023.

The Cavaliers, who struggled from beyond the arc with a shooting percentage of 28.3% (15-of-53), relied heavily on Mitchell’s shooting prowess, as he went 8-for-15 from three-point range. The Wizards, now with a dismal record of 3-20, allowed the Cavaliers to rally after a disheartening third quarter where they conceded 40 points, leading to a 100-85 deficit entering the final quarter.

Mitchell ignited the comeback by scoring 11 points in just over two minutes at the start of the fourth. He tied the game at 122 with a crucial three-pointer and subsequently drove to the basket to give Cleveland the lead with under a minute remaining.

“You’re playing a team that’s 3 and whatever, and you’re down 15, you can kind of tuck your tails and give in, right? But we found a way,” Mitchell reflected after the game.

In a pivotal moment during the game, a jump ball between Mitchell and Marvin Bagley III turned the tide when the ball was ultimately secured by Lonzo Ball, who hit two free throws with just 30.9 seconds left on the clock, extending the Cavaliers’ lead to four.

Despite the hard-fought victory, Mitchell acknowledged the team’s need for improvement, saying, “That can’t happen. We can’t be in that position. We have to figure it out.” His performance not only solidified his status among the league’s elite but also highlighted the Cavaliers’ resilience.

As the Cavaliers look to build on this momentum, fans will be eager to see how they address the weaknesses displayed throughout this game. The next challenge awaits as they aim to refine their game ahead of their upcoming matchups.

Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA season progresses and teams continue to battle for playoff positioning.