Donovan Mitchell Makes History: Scores 124 Points in First Three Playoff Games, Just One Shy of LeBron James’ Cavaliers Record!
CLEVELAND, OH —
Donovan Mitchell has officially etched his name into Cleveland Cavaliers history — and he’s knocking on the door of surpassing a franchise legend. The All-Star guard has scored a jaw-dropping 124 points across his first three playoff games of the 2025 NBA postseason, placing him just one point behind LeBron James’ all-time Cavaliers record of 125 points through three playoff contests.
Mitchell’s electric performance has not only lit up Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, but also revitalized a Cavaliers fanbase hungry for postseason success. His scoring explosion has powered Cleveland to a 2-1 series lead over the New York Knicks in the opening round, as he continues to demonstrate why he was one of the most impactful trade acquisitions in franchise history.
A Historic Run
Mitchell’s playoff run opened with a 41-point masterpiece in Game 1, where he relentlessly attacked the Knicks’ defense, knocking down clutch shots and getting to the line at will. Game 2 saw him drop 39 more in a gritty battle that went down to the wire, and in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, Mitchell torched the Knicks with a 44-point eruption, stunning the hostile New York crowd and solidifying his place in the playoff spotlight.
Only LeBron James (125 points, 2006) has ever scored more through his first three playoff games in Cavaliers history — a milestone Mitchell could realistically eclipse in Game 4 with even a modest scoring output.
Elite Company
Mitchell now joins an elite group of players with 120+ points in the first three playoff games of a postseason — a list that includes Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Jerry West, and Allen Iverson. His remarkable pace has NBA analysts and historians taking notice.
“Donovan Mitchell is delivering one of the most prolific scoring starts in modern playoff history,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “The Cavaliers knew they had a star — what they’re seeing now is a generational talent rising to the occasion.”
Leadership and Legacy
Beyond the box score, Mitchell’s leadership has been just as valuable as his scoring. With a relatively young supporting cast featuring Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen, Mitchell’s poise and playoff experience have been critical.
“He’s fearless,” said head coach J.B. Bickerstaff after Game 3. “When the lights are brightest, Donovan wants the ball. He’s embraced the pressure, and the team feeds off his energy.”
Mitchell, now in his second postseason with Cleveland after being acquired from the Utah Jazz, has openly embraced the challenge of bringing a championship-caliber culture back to the Cavaliers.
“I came here to win. It’s about legacy, it’s about moments like these,” Mitchell said in the postgame interview. “But we’re not done. It’s one game at a time — the job’s not finished.”
What’s Next
The Cavaliers will return to Madison Square Garden for Game 4 with a chance to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. All eyes will be on Mitchell — not just to carry his team, but to potentially break the LeBron James record that has stood for nearly two decades.
Regardless of what happens next, one thing is certain: Donovan Mitchell is making history — and he’s just getting started.
