Donovan Mitchell looked to bounce back in Game 2 after a strong showing in the opener. Did the Cavs’ star deliver when it mattered?
The Cleveland Cavaliers came into the Eastern Conference Semifinals riding high after a dominant sweep over the Miami Heat in Round 1, with Donovan Mitchell leading the charge. The star guard averaged 25.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and four assists in that series and dropped 33 points in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers.
But despite his efforts, the Cavs were caught off guard as the Pacers pulled off a stunning road win to steal home-court advantage. With Game 2 back at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, all eyes turned to Mitchell once again, hoping his scoring touch could ignite a crucial Cavaliers comeback.
Mitchell was expected to deliver another big performance to help the Cavs avoid a 0-2 series hole. How did he fare in the tense round 2 battle? Let’s take a look at Mitchell’s Game 2 stats.
Donovan Mitchell vs. Indiana Pacers: Game 2 Stats
| Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 48 | 5 | 9 | 50 | 14.3 |
How Did Michell Perform Against the Pacers in Game 2?
Mitchell didn’t just show up in Game 2; he erupted. From the opening tip, it was clear Spida was in attack mode, torching the Pacers’ defense possession after possession. He had 21 points, five assists, and two steals by halftime. Just casually cooking like it was a summer league run.
And then he turned the heat all the way up. Through three quarters, Mitchell had 36 points, seven assists, and three steals on 13-of-24 shooting. It was one of those nights when he had Cleveland on his back and almost dragged them across the finish line.
His final numbers seem unreal: 48 points, nine assists, five rebounds, 15-of-30 shooting from the field, and 17-of-21 from the line.
Cleveland’s star gave everything he had. But despite his heroic effort, the Cavs fell heartbreakingly short, losing 120-119 after Tyrese Haliburton buried a cold-blooded 28-foot 3-pointer in the final seconds.
Mitchell Delivers a Statement Dunk in First Half of Game 2
The six-time NBA All-Star wasted no time making his presence felt against the Pacers. In the first half, Mitchell electrified the crowd with a thunderous dunk, sending a clear message to Indiana that he was here to dominate.
OH MY GOODNESS DONOVAN MITCHELL 🤯
He's now up to 21 points in 18 minutes on TNT! pic.twitter.com/Hw5tXMi5rv
— NBA (@NBA)
Shooting 8-of-18 from the field and adding five assists, Mitchell showcased his offensive arsenal early. But the highlight came late in the half when he went straight at Pacers forward Pascal Siakam. As Mitchell charged toward the rim, Siakam was positioned to contest, but Mitchell, with no hesitation, delivered a powerful tomahawk dunk over Siakam, sending the Rocket Arena into a frenzy.
Mitchell vs. Pacers: Head-to-Head Career Stats
Mitchell has made a strong statement whenever he faces the Pacers. In 17 career games against them, he averaged an impressive 27.4 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.6 rebounds, consistently showcasing his ability to score and create plays.
Mitchell’s stats vs. the Pacers in the last 10 regular-season games:
- Nov. 11, 2021 – 26 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
- Jan. 8, 2022 – 36 points, 2 rebounds, 9 assists
- Dec. 16, 2022 – 41 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists
- Dec. 29, 2022 – 28 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists
- Feb. 5, 2023 – 19 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists
- April 2, 2023 – 40 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist
- Nov. 3, 2023 – 38 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists
- April 12, 2024 – 33 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
- Jan. 12, 2025 – 19 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
- Jan. 14, 2025 – 35 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists
Looking at his performances in recent seasons, Mitchell has been a constant scoring threat. In the 2021-2022 season, he dropped 36 points on Jan. 8, 2022, and 41 points on Dec. 16, 2022, leading his team to strong performances despite challenges. His shooting efficiency in these games, especially from beyond the arc, was notable, including a 56% shooting night against the Pacers in April 2023.
He’s not just a prolific scorer, but a key contributor in facilitating for teammates, as seen in his nine assists on Nov. 3, 2023. The Pacers, however, have occasionally been able to slow him down, with Mitchell shooting poorly from 3 in some matchups, but his overall impact remains undeniable.
Looking at his recent performance on Jan. 12, 2025, despite scoring 19 points, Mitchell’s shooting numbers weren’t as efficient as usual, which might have been part of the reason the Cavs came up short that night.
Each time Mitchell faces the Pacers, fans know they’re likely in for a scoring showcase. While his shooting efficiency might fluctuate, his impact on the game is undeniable.
