Donovan Mitchell Passes Michael Jordan with 8th Straight 30-Point Playoff Opener — But His Humble Response Says It All: “Jordan Won Game 1. I Didn’t.”
BOSTON, MA — History was made on the hardwood Monday night, but for Donovan Mitchell, personal milestones took a backseat to team success — or in this case, the lack of it.
In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ All-Star guard etched his name into NBA history by becoming the first player since Michael Jordan to open eight consecutive playoff series with a 30-point performance. His 33-point outing against the Boston Celtics placed him ahead of the basketball legend in a category long associated with postseason dominance.
But the final score told a different story.
The Cavaliers fell hard to the Celtics, 120–95, and despite his individual brilliance, Mitchell’s postgame reaction revealed exactly where his priorities lie.
“Jordan won Game 1. I didn’t,” Mitchell told reporters, his tone somber but focused. “That’s the difference. Records are great, but they don’t mean anything if you don’t win. That’s the only stat I care about right now.”
A Star Among Legends
Mitchell’s achievement was no small feat. By scoring at least 30 points in the opening game of eight straight playoff series, he surpassed a record once tied to the NBA’s greatest icon. The consistency, the intensity, the clutch factor — it was all there. But in Mitchell’s mind, the spotlight should remain on the team’s collective effort.
“It’s cool to be mentioned with [Michael] Jordan, but I’m not playing for that,” he added. “I’m playing to bring a title to Cleveland. That’s the mission.”
Still, fans and analysts alike couldn’t help but marvel at the numbers. Since entering the league, Mitchell has built a reputation as one of the league’s premier postseason performers. Monday night marked yet another chapter in what’s becoming a storied playoff résumé — even if the ending to this particular game left more to be desired.
A Glimmer of Hope in a Harsh Start
Mitchell’s 33 points came on an efficient 12-of-23 shooting from the field, including 4-of-9 from three-point range. He was the lone bright spot in an otherwise flat Cavs offense that struggled to keep pace with Boston’s firepower.
Despite the loss, Mitchell’s leadership shone through — not just in scoring, but in accountability.
“We got outplayed. They were more physical. They dictated everything,” he said. “That starts with me. I’ve got to lead better, play smarter, and make sure we come out swinging in Game 2.”
Comparisons, Context, and Character
While comparisons to Jordan may be flattering, Mitchell has never courted them. In fact, his humility in the face of the milestone has drawn praise across the basketball world.
“That’s a real one right there,” tweeted TNT analyst and former player Jamal Crawford. “Passing Jordan in something and still putting the focus back on the team? That’s leadership. That’s greatness.”
Even some Celtics fans left the arena acknowledging the performance with a nod of respect. “He’s scary good,” one said. “Glad we won, but he’s a problem.”
The Road Ahead
The Cavaliers now face an uphill battle in the best-of-seven series, and Game 2 in Boston looms large. But if Donovan Mitchell’s tone and track record are any indicators, he’s already preparing for redemption.
“I’m not backing down,” he said. “We’re not backing down. We’ll regroup, adjust, and come back stronger. I believe in this team.”
For a player who continues to deliver on the biggest stage — and still defers to team success over personal accolades — it’s clear that Donovan Mitchell’s legacy is being built on more than numbers. It’s being built on purpose.
