Donovan Mitchell Has Fifth 40-Point Game, Cavs Win Seventh Straight

The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their winning ways on Wednesday night, beginning a three-game road trip with a 114-106 victory over the Washington Wizards.

With the win, the Wine and Gold extended the NBA’s longest active winning streak, and moved to a remarkable 15-1 in their last 16 games.

In the triumph, the team’s lone NBA All-Star yet again lived up to the billing.

Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell recorded his fifth 40-point game of the season. He finished the contest with a game-high 40 points, shooting 14-for-25 (56.0%) from the field, 5-for-10 (50%) from three-point range, and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. The 27-year-old also added eight rebounds, and tied team-highs of five assists and one steal.

Cleveland held an 80-79 lead over Washington through three quarters. However, the Wine and Gold outscored the Wizards 34-27 in the final period.

Mitchell was a key factor in the fourth quarter, scoring a game-high 14 points, and tying a game-high with a +7 plus/minus.

Following Wednesday’s contest, Cavaliers Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff commended Mitchell’s ability to perform well late in games.

“That’s what a closer does, and he’s earned that reputation because of fact, and his ability to go out and do it time and time again. That’s why we trust to put the ball in his hands because he’s going to make the play. His teammates trust him to put the ball in his hands because he’s going to make the play.”

After being named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for January, he has not skipped a beat. In four games this February, Mitchell is averaging 31.3 points per contest, which ranks fifth in the NBA. He is also averaging 5.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per contest so far this month.