The Cleveland Cavaliers are rolling.
They’ve almost reached one-third of their projected win total for the entire season, and we’re not even in December.
Kenny Atkinson’s team has won 17 of their first 18 games, most of them by a wide margin.
That’s why they haven’t even needed their starters to be on the floor down the stretch more often than not.
Despite that, Donovan Mitchell has still been on a roll this season in the fourth quarter.
As pointed out by NBA Central on X, Mitchell is currently tied for third in the most points scored in the fourth quarter (126).
Leaders in total points scored during the 4th quarter:
LaMelo Ball – 171
De’Aaron Fox – 131
Bennedict Mathurin – 126
Donovan Mitchell – 126
Cam Thomas – 123
Trae Young – 117
Jalen Williams – 115
LeBron James – 110
Devin Booker – 108
Giannis Antetokounmpo – 106
Kyrie Irving – 106… pic.twitter.com/nfyei27x1l— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 26, 2024
He’s tied with Indiana Pacers star Bennedict Mathurin and trails only De’Aaron Fox (131) and LaMelo Ball (171) in that regard.
Notably, all three players have been in way more close games than the Cavaliers this season, so chances are that Mitchell would’ve been at the top of the list if his team actually needed him to play for long stretches in the fourth.
Mitchell is currently averaging 24.4 points per game.
He’s played in 17 games this season, leading the way for the best offense in the entire league.
Some people still believe the Cavaliers’ strong start to the season is a fluke, but there’s nothing fluky about a team that has won 17 of their first 18 games.
There’s still plenty of basketball to be played, but the fans must love the confidence this team is playing with, especially knowing they have someone to trust down the stretch.
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