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Shaquille O'Neal Makes Bold Donovan Mitchell Declaration on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 4, 2025 6:36 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers take their next step in the quest for an NBA title this season on Sunday when they host the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

The Cavs made easy work of the Miami Heat in the first round as they eliminated their opponents in a dominant four-game sweep, but there's no denying that the Pacers pose a much different challenge for Cleveland.

Speaking ahead of tip-off on Sunday, NBA on TNT's Shaquille O'Neal had a bold message for Cavs superstar Donovan Mitchell. The four-time NBA champ believes that Mitchell is one of the top players in the league today, and O'Neal is now calling on the 28-year-old to prove it.

"If he plays the way he's been playing, he'll definitely make it to the conference finals and the finals, but he needs to play big," O'Neal declared.

"... I want him to play big every game. I don't know what his average is, but I would like to see a 30-piece every night. He's capable of doing it.

"I know he's looking for his teammates and all that, but every now and then, you've got to have a two or three-minute stretch where you show the people that you are the man in the league and on this team.

According to O'Neal, the Cavs have a real shot at winning an NBA title this season. However, it will rely heavily on Mitchell's ability to live up to his own extremely high standards.

"If he plays the way he's been playing, he'll definitely make it to the conference finals and the finals, and possibly be an NBA champion because he's playing phenomenal right now," O'Neal continued.

Shaq wants to see Donovan Mitchell drop 30 every night against Indiana pic.twitter.com/rptbhdJaxy
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 4, 2025

There's going to be even more pressure on Mitchell on Sunday after the Cavs ruled Darius Garland out for the series opener due to a toe sprain. Cleveland has no choice but to put a heavier load on Mitchell's able shoulders as Garland sits out his third straight game.

As O'Neal clearly pointed out, however, he is confident that Mitchell has it in him to take the Cavs all the way this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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