Cleveland Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell breaks impressive Michael Jordan playoff stat in Game 1 vs. Pacers

Published

May 5, 2025

May 4, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dunks during the second half against the Indiana Pacers in game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t have the Game 1 opener they were hoping for against the Indiana Pacers. Cleveland lost 121-112, but despite the defeat, Donovan Mitchell broke an impressive Michael Jordan playoff stat.

Related: Indiana strikes first: Pacers stun top-seeded Cavs in series opener

Mitchell scored 33 in the Game 1 loss, which was his eighth straight playoff series opener with 30+ points. The record was held by Michael Jordan, who had seven straight 30+ series openers, twice, from 1991-93, and 1997-98.

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It always goes back to MJ @NBABeau pic.twitter.com/5E2NaDIALe

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 5, 2025

Mitchell likely doesn’t care much about this record since it came in a loss. He’ll look to lead his Cavaliers to a win in Game 2, evening the series at 1-1.

About the Author Published May 5, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1