The Cleveland Cavaliers’ winning ways hit a speed bump in their latest matchup, falling 114-104 against the Houston Rockets on November 19. Even with that stumble, the Cavs hold a strong 10-6 mark, picking up right where they left off in the 2023-24 campaign.
But here’s the twist: The most-talked-about moment for Cleveland wasn’t anything that happened on the floor. Instead, all eyes shifted off the hardwood when Donovan Mitchell surprised just about everyone in an unexpected, behind-the-scenes video.
Why Did Donovan Mitchell’s Hidden Talent Steal the Spotlight?
This buzz started with a garage shoot for CarMax, where Mitchell was prepping for a new commercial. While waiting, he slid behind a set of drums and played like he’d been performing for years. For those who saw the clip, it was a whole other side of Mitchell.
“They messed up giving me this drum set. I’m humble in most areas, but I think I’m the best people to ever play the drums, ever,” said Mitchell during the shoot.
So how does drumming connect to a CarMax shoot? Simple: the brand, which is the official auto retailer for both the NBA and WNBA, has dropped two new commercials, one featuring Mitchell and another with college basketball sensation Paige Bueckers. Both ads lean into the lighter side, showing how easy it is to sell or buy a car through CarMax.
In Mitchell’s spot, he closes the deal from home, has his car picked up with zero hassle, and then celebrates with a drum solo. As the viral behind-the-scenes video revealed, that was no acting job; the drumming was all him.
“With talent like Paige and Donovan, we weren’t chasing highlight-reel stats. We were after the humans behind them. From writing a country song to welcome Paige home to spotlighting Donovan’s real drum skills, we wanted to show who they are beyond the game.”
“That’s how CarMax meets every shopper, right where they are,” said Maddie McDowell, who leads creative for the agency that put together both spots.
What Does the NBA Fine Mean for the Cavaliers and Donovan Mitchell?
For folks keeping score, Mitchell’s drum skills are just one story; his actual basketball story is a bit more layered these days. Things got complicated, not because Mitchell hasn’t been electric (he has), but because of NBA policy.
The Cavaliers were recently fined $100,000 after running afoul of the league’s Player Participation Policy. The issue? Mitchell and Evan Mobley sat out the November 12 matchup against the Miami Heat, listed as out for rest, and the league decided it didn’t fit the new guidelines. The NBA wants stars on the court whenever they’re healthy, especially for marquee games or national TV matchups, a key focus since the policy took effect for the 2023-24 season.
MORE: NBA Announce Massive $100,000 Punishment For Cavaliers After Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley Decision
This push aims to address a frustration fans are all too familiar with: missing out on seeing big names in action, whether they have tickets or are just tuning in for a bigger event. Even with the chatter about the fine, Mitchell’s game is still the main event. Mitchell’s production is right up there, showing why he’s such a force on the court.
Now that Mitchell’s drum session is behind him, it’s back to basketball for Cleveland. The next test comes fast: a November 21 battle with the Indiana Pacers. The Cavs will look to build on what’s worked and tackle whatever is coming next, with Mitchell right in the middle of it all.
