Donovan Mitchell provided the highlight, and Caris LeVert delivered the knock-out punch.
DONOVAN MITCHELL DROPS THE HAMMER
— NBA (@NBA) October 29, 2022
Join the Q3 action on the NBA App: https://t.co/1pomQZN8Pi pic.twitter.com/8GtS70AT2f
CARIS LEVERT DRAINS THE AND-1 TRIPLE FOR 40
— NBA (@NBA) October 29, 2022
CLE 131 | BOS 123
31 seconds remaining in OT on the NBA Apphttps://t.co/qVo4oz0tu7 pic.twitter.com/rC1lQsnk66
Mitchell collected Luke Kornet's soul on a vicious third-quarter dunk as the Cavaliers chipped away at a 15-point deficit. In overtime, LeVert put the game away with a four-point play.
Both players scored 41 points, combining to shoot 27-of-47 and 11-of-17 from three.
Cavs guards tonight:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 29, 2022
Mitchell — LeVert —
41 PTS 41 PTS
5-9 3P 6-8 3P
6-6 FT 11-12 FT
Stepping up without Garland. pic.twitter.com/xJoZeSto9j
Their performance drew comparisons to another pair of teammates who famously scored 41 points apiece in Cavaliers uniforms.
Spida and LeVert tonight pic.twitter.com/7JVhp2CUve
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 29, 2022
Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert tonight pic.twitter.com/GD6TUtv5dT
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) October 29, 2022
The Cleveland Cavaliers (4-1, third in Eastern Conference) won 132-123 in overtime against the Boston Celtics (3-2, seventh in Eastern Conference). The Cavaliers have the best point differential in basketball at plus-11.8.
The Cavs made a huge move late in the offseason when they traded for Donovan Mitchell. The former Utah Jazz star averaged 23.9 points per game in five seasons with the Jazz and led the team to the playoffs every season.
The Cavaliers also have guard Darius Garland and centers Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. After last season's surprising 44-38 record, the team has the talent to be a player in the Eastern Conference. It was just a question of how long it would take for Mitchell to grow accustomed to his new surroundings.
The team's great start and Mitchell's 41 points Friday night suggest he is fitting in just fine.
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