The Eastern Conference All-Stars easily beat the West at Sunday night’s NBA All-Star Game, taking them down 211-186.
All-Star MVP Damian Lillard had the most points for his team, scoring 39 points during his 28 minutes.
There were plenty of other big games playing, including Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
As noted by Across The Cavs, Mitchell produced 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal with a plus-minus score of +15.
However, he was only on the court for 16 minutes, the second-fewest on the team, ahead of only Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks.
Donovan Mitchell in the 2024 All-Star Game
9 pts
7 rbs
2 asts
1 stl
+15Doc Rivers only played him 16 mins (2nd fewest on the team)
— Across The Cavs (@AcrossCavs) February 19, 2024
The response to head coach Doc Rivers’ decision to not play Mitchell much was mixed.
Online, many people came out to question Rivers’ choice, calling the game “putrid and a complete waste of time.”
Thank you, Doc. That game was putrid and a complete waste of time.
— JOATMON (@UnityofAll) February 19, 2024
Other people said this choice confirmed that Rivers is not a good coach.
Nobody said Doc was a good coach 🤣🤣🤣
— Kstair21 (@Kstair21) February 19, 2024
However, there were some who were very happy that Mitchell didn’t play much.
They said they want Mitchell healthy for the months ahead and don’t want him to waste his energy on what is essentially an “exhibition” game.
Good. We need him healthy not playing hard n a exhibition game
— Deion Owens (@owens_deion) February 19, 2024
“Good, let him have an easy night,” one user said and others said that this was the best coaching decision that Rivers has made in years.
Good, let him have an easy night
— Dave Petroziello (@dpetr12676) February 19, 2024
Best coaching decision doc has made in years.
— Nic Van Pelt (@NicVP88) February 19, 2024
In the grand scheme of things, the All-Star Game doesn’t really mean anything and it’s just a chance for the league to respect the biggest players in the game and have some fun.
It was great that Mitchell was selected for the game because it shows just how valued he is and how great his season has been.
But the Cavaliers have been on a roll lately and fans want Mitchell rested and ready for what’s ahead.
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