Donovan Mitchell's second-half surge lifts Cavaliers over 76ers

"[Center] Evan Mobley was phenomenal," Mitchell said in a clip on X."[Guard] Darius Garland was phenomenal. [Guard] Jaylon Tyson was phenomenal."

Mitchell's teammates certainly deserve praise. Mobley scored 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while Garland scored 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field before exiting with a right foot injury midway through the third quarter. Tyson scored 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting and added five rebounds and three assists. 

Mitchell, though, was the offensive engine. He's been so throughout most of the season. Entering Wednesday night, he was averaging 29.5 points per game, the fifth-best mark in the NBA. 

That should help the 29-year-old guard make the All-Star Game for a seventh time. He received the fifth-most votes in the Eastern Conference in the second round of fan voting, released on Jan. 6. 

Mitchell continuing to play at a high level is imperative for the Cavaliers, who are No. 7 in the Eastern Conference behind the Orlando Magic (22-18). As of Wednesday night, ESPN's Basketball Power Index gives Cleveland a 67.5% chance to clinch one of the top six seeds in the conference and avoid the play-in. 

The Cavaliers have gone 6-4 over their past 10 games. If Mitchell keeps scoring in bunches, that'll give Cleveland a chance to keep gaining traction in the Eastern Conference.