With his team mounting a fierce comeback from an 18-point deficit in the first half, Mitchell seized the moment. Dribbling up the court, he positioned himself at the top of the 3-point arc and unleashed a confident 26-foot shot.
The basket narrowed the deficit to just four points, igniting a surge of momentum in favor of the Cavs. Riding this momentum, they powered to a decisive 106-94 victory, propelling them into the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2019. Notably, this marks their first advancement to the second round without LeBron James in three decades.
Fresh off his remarkable 50-point performance in Game 6, Mitchell continued to shine in Game 7, delivering a stellar 39-point performance. His total of 89 points over the final two games of the series ranks as the second-highest in Games 6 and 7 in NBA history, trailing only Allen Iverson's 90 in 2001.
Expressing his determination to break the cycle of early playoff exits, Mitchell stated, "I'm tired of losing in the first round. You work too hard. We work too hard." He emphasized his commitment to staying in attack mode despite any challenges, showcasing a resilient mindset focused on pushing through adversity rather than opting for prolonged rehabilitation.
Mitchell persevered through a nagging knee injury, which has plagued him throughout the season. Despite evident discomfort, he battled through the pain, driven by a sense of necessity.
Early in the game, Mitchell struggled to find his rhythm, particularly against the defense of Jalen Suggs. However, from midway through the second quarter until the end of the third, he single-handedly outscored the Magic 20-19. Notably, the majority of his points came from aggressive drives to the paint, with nine of his 11 field goals made in that area.
Despite facing an early deficit, the Cavaliers remained undeterred. Mitchell welcomed Orlando's early surge, viewing it as an opportunity for Cleveland to respond. The team's resurgence was marked by a slow and gritty climb back into contention, fueled by Mitchell's leadership and resilience.
In the halftime locker room, the message was clear: maintain composure and stay focused. The Cavaliers heeded this advice and finally found their stride in the third quarter, sparked by Mitchell's pivotal 3-pointer.
Cleveland's remarkable 18-point comeback stands as the largest in a Game 7 since at least 1997. After trailing 47-29 midway through the second quarter, the Cavs staged an impressive turnaround, outscoring the Magic by 30 points for the remainder of the game. Their efficient offense, shooting 57% from the field, combined with stifling defense, holding Orlando to just 27%, propelled them to a thrilling victory.
Following Game 6, the Cavaliers acknowledged the importance of providing support for Mitchell. In the previous matchup in Orlando, Mitchell had been the sole Cleveland player to score in the final 14 minutes, a scenario they aimed to avoid in Game 7.
"[Mitchell is] the guy who can rally everyone, not just with his skill but also with his spirit," remarked Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff. "When you witness a teammate, someone you care about, playing with that level of passion, you're inspired to step up and assist them."
Throughout the game, Mitchell's leadership was evident. He frequently embraced his teammates on the bench, offering encouragement and motivation. During breaks in play, he brought the team together, rallying them for the challenge ahead. Mitchell celebrated every positive play from his teammates, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.
Contributions came from various players, with Caris LeVert tallying 15 points, Max Strus with 13, and Garland adding 12. Evan Mobley's impressive performance included 11 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 blocks, anchoring the defense and limiting Orlando's scoring opportunities.
"This is a special moment for our group, especially considering the challenges we've faced this season," reflected Bickerstaff. "Despite being counted out by many, this team has come together and found a way to succeed. We're proud of that, but we're not satisfied yet."
The Cavaliers approach their next challenge against the Boston Celtics with a determined mindset, eager to build on their success. They are driven by the desire to achieve their ultimate goal for the season.
"We didn't assemble this team just to win the first round," emphasized Mitchell. "Our goal is to keep pushing forward. When they acquired me, it was with the intention of sustained success, not just a brief playoff appearance. That's the mindset we all share."
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