Not just 57 like LeBron or Kyrie.
Not in a throwaway loss like Booker.
This was a game where every possession mattered, and every shot was a risk. And under the pressure of a close game as his new team's number one option, Mitchell delivered in a way that only a handful of players in history ever have. This was a truly special game in the history of the league.
Mitchell has been performing above expectations all season. But this game elevated Mitchell to a new level - among the league's superstardom - as he looks to bring the Cavs back into the playoffs for the first time since #23 ruled the floor in Cleveland.
It's time for the Cavs to set that same expectation for themselves if they haven't already: that they are one of the top teams in the East, and should contend with the best of the best, deep into the playoffs. What a confidence boost to see their leading man show them what's possible for this team when he's locked in and the shots are falling.
Finally, I can't help but mention that the last time a player scored this many points, it was none other than Kobe on January 22nd, 2006, when he delivered his legendary 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors. Neither Mitchell nor the Cavs have the same reputation and prestige that Kobe or the Lakers had in '06. But last night, Cleveland forced its way back onto the basketball map.
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