#ThisDayThatYear: Cavaliers' Mitchell scores franchise-record 71, most in 17 years
What's the story
On January 02, 2023, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell etched his name into NBA history with an unforgettable 71-point performance, setting a franchise record and marking the league's highest-scoring game in 17 years.
Mitchell's dazzling display of skill and determination captivated fans and secured a thrilling overtime win against the Chicago Bulls.
Dive into the details of one of basketball's most iconic scoring feats!
Game recap
Mitchell's 71-point performance leads Cavaliers past Bulls in OT thriller
Mitchell delivered a masterpiece, scoring a franchise-record 71 points as the Cavaliers overcame a 21-point deficit to beat the Bulls in overtime.
Mitchell forced OT with a stunning putback and dominated with 13 extra-session points.
His 71-point total is the most in the NBA since Kobe Bryant's 81 in 2006.
Meanwhile, Mitchell also added 11 assists and 8 rebounds in the unforgettable performance.
Record
Recap of Mitchell's stellar 71-point performance
Mitchell set a Cleveland record with 71 points, leading the Cavaliers to a 145-134 overtime victory over the Bulls.
Mitchell forced OT with a dramatic putback and scored 13 points in the extra period.
He became the seventh player in NBA history to reach 70 points, joining legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Bryant.
Mitchell also added 11 assists and 8 rebounds, carrying the Cavaliers.
Most points - Cavaliers history
Most single-game points in Cavaliers franchise history
Mitchell's 71 points on January 2, 2023, tops the list of most points scored in a single game by a Cavaliers player.
He is followed by LeBron James, who scored 57 points (2017), and Kyrie Irving, who also scored 57 points (2015).
James also holds the fourth spot with 56 points (2005), while Kyrie Irving rounds out the top five with 55 points (2015).
Most points - NBA history
Most single-game points in NBA history
Wilt Chamberlain holds the top spot for most points in a single game with 100 points on March 2, 1962.
Bryant follows with 81 points on January 22, 2006.
Chamberlain also ranks third with 78 points in 1961.
Meanwhile, Luka Dončić scored 73 points on January 26, 2024, while David Thompson rounds out the top five with 73 points on April 9, 1978.