PARIS – Donovan Mitchell dazzled with a season-high 45 points, propelling the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 111-102 triumph over the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA’s Paris showcase on Thursday. Mitchell, marking his 16th 40-point feat with the Cavaliers, complemented his scoring prowess with 12 rebounds, six assists, and four steals. He now shares a record with LeBron James, being the only Cavaliers to achieve at least 45 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a single game.
Mitchell expressed his eagerness to return to Paris for the Olympics, aiming to add a gold medal to his accolades. The Cavaliers held the lead throughout, thanks to Mitchell’s explosive 21-point performance in the final quarter, including a spree of four 3-pointers.
Cavaliers’ Caris LeVert contributed 21 points, while Jarrett Allen recorded his eighth consecutive double-double. The Cavaliers, now 9-3 since December 16, celebrated their first regular-season game outside North America with this victory.
The Nets, led by Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas with 26 points each, struggled in the first half and have now lost 12 of their last 15 games. Despite spirited efforts from Lonnie Walker IV, the Nets couldn’t overcome the Cavaliers’ dominance.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver anticipates a robust U.S. team for the Paris Olympics and confirmed the NBA’s return to France next season. French NBA presence is notable, with Victor Wembanyama leading the charge and France ranking high in NBA merchandise sales in Europe and the Middle East.
Mitchell’s six-point opening set the tone for the Cavaliers, who led 54-34 at halftime and extended the lead to 26 points early in the third quarter. Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff lauded Mitchell’s readiness and impact on this international stage.
The game also saw Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson ejected for a flagrant foul on Nets’ Nic Claxton. The Cavaliers, missing key players due to injuries, played without starting guard Max Strus for the last three quarters.
Next, the Nets will host Miami on Monday, while the Cavaliers welcome Chicago the same day.
