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Donovan Mitchell is doing something only LeBron James and Stephen Curry have done before

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Dec 2, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Donovan Mitchell has started the season phenomenally for the Cleveland Cavaliers, putting up historic numbers in the process.

The Cleveland Cavaliers haven’t been the dominant force in the Eastern Conference that they were last season, starting the season with a 13-9 record.

Donovan Mitchell has been putting up historic numbers with the Cavaliers, proving that he is the best player the franchise has had since LeBron James.

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For his part, Mitchell has credited young stars like Jaylon Tyson for their improvement, showing he isn’t just a star player, but also a leader.

But for all the credit Donovan Mitchell is giving his teammates, it’s his solid performances this season that have kept the Cavaliers afloat.

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Donovan Mitchell matches Stephen Curry and LeBron James’ records

Donovan Mitchell had yet another stellar game with the Cleveland Cavaliers, putting up 43 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in their win over the Indiana Pacers.

In doing so, Mitchell became only the second player in NBA history with 30 points per game on 50% shooting from the field and 80+ 3-pointers made in their first 20 games, along with Stephen Curry.

Donovan Mitchell is the 2nd player in NBA history to have at least 30 PPG, 50 FG% and 80+ triples in his first 20 games of a season, joining Stephen Curry.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) December 2, 2025

Mitchell also managed to tie LeBron James as the only other player in Cleveland Cavaliers history to average 30 points per game in their first 20 games. James did this during the 2006-07 NBA season.

Donovan Mitchell also joined LeBron James tonight as the only players in Cavs history to average at least 30 PPG through the first 20 games played in a season.

James averaged 30.7 PPG during the first 20 games of the 2005-06 season. https://t.co/qlw7MjBeNT
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) December 2, 2025

For Mitchell to put himself in the same pantheon as these greats is truly remarkable and shows just how valuable he is to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Donovan Mitchell putting up excellent numbers this season

Donovan Mitchell has been the standout player for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season. His ability to carry the offense has made him indispensable for Kenny Atkinson.

This season, Donovan Mitchell is putting up excellent numbers, which you can see below:

Donovan Mitchell Stats (100% Width Fix)

Donovan Mitchell’s Cleveland Cavaliers Stats (2025-2026 Season – 20 Games)
Statistic	Season Average
Games Played (GP)	20
Minutes Per Game (MPG)	34.3
Points Per Game (PPG)	30.6
Rebounds Per Game (RPG)	5.0
Assists Per Game (APG)	5.5
Field Goal % (FG%)	50.8%
3-Point % (3P%)	39.1%
Steals Per Game (SPG)	1.4
Blocks Per Game (BPG)	0.3

While they had a shaky start to the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers are turning their form around. As they look to go on a run, Mitchell will be crucial to their success.

The Cavaliers cannot find major success without Mitchell, and they should make sure they capitalize on his strong start to the season.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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