Donovan Mitchell's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Donovan Mitchell. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Donovan Mitchell, nicknamed "Spida", is a highly accomplished American professional basketball player currently playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Drafted in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft, he initially played for the Utah Jazz (2017-2022). He's a six-time NBA All-Star and earned All-NBA Second Team honors in 2023, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier players.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1980: Rookie Series-clinching Win

During the playoffs, Donovan Mitchell's 38 points in Game 6 marked the highest scoring output by a rookie in a series-clinching win since 1980.

1981: Surpassed Darrell Griffith's Team Record

On December 1, 2017, Donovan Mitchell surpassed Darrell Griffith's team-record 38 points scored in 1981.

1996: Allen Iverson

On February 2, 2018, Donovan Mitchell became the first rookie guard to notch two 40-point games since Allen Iverson in 1996–97.

2011: Blake Griffin Scores 40 Points

In 2017, Donovan Mitchell became the first NBA rookie to score 40 points in a game since Blake Griffin in 2011.

October 18, 2017: NBA Debut

On October 18, 2017, Donovan Mitchell made his NBA debut, registering 10 points and four assists against the Denver Nuggets.

December 1, 2017: Career-High 41 Points

On December 1, 2017, Donovan Mitchell scored a career-high 41 points in a 114–108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, setting the Jazz scoring record for a rookie.

December 2017: Western Conference Rookie of the Month

In December 2017, Donovan Mitchell was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month after averaging 23.1 points, 3.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals.

2017: All-ACC and NBA All-Rookie First Team

In 2017, Donovan Mitchell earned first-team all-conference honors in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) while playing college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals, later being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team as a rookie with the Utah Jazz.

2017: NBA Draft and Utah Jazz Acquisition

In 2017, Donovan Mitchell was drafted in the first round of the NBA draft and subsequently acquired by the Utah Jazz.

January 4, 2018: Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December

On January 4, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December 2017 after averaging 23.1 points, 3.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 34.3 minutes per game during the month of December.

January 15, 2018: Surpassed Karl Malone's Record

On January 15, 2018, Donovan Mitchell surpassed Karl Malone's franchise record for most 20+ points games during a rookie season when he had his 19th 20+ point game.

February 5, 2018: Participated and Won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest

On February 5, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named by the NBA as an injury replacement for Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon for the 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest and won the contest.

March 1, 2018: Western Conference Rookie of the Month

On March 1, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named as the Western Conference Rookie of the month for the third time that season for games played in February.

May 22, 2018: Named to NBA All-Rookie First Team

On May 22, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

2018: NBA Slam Dunk Contest Win

In 2018, Donovan Mitchell won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

August 17, 2020: Scored 57 Points in Playoff Game

On August 17, 2020, Donovan Mitchell scored 57 points in a 125–135 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets, the third most in playoff history.

February 23, 2021: Named Western Conference All-Star Reserve

On February 23, 2021, Donovan Mitchell was named a Western Conference reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, marking his second consecutive All-Star selection.

February 3, 2022: Named Western Conference All-Star Reserve

On February 3, 2022, Donovan Mitchell was named a Western Conference reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, marking his third consecutive All-Star selection.

January 2, 2023: Scores NBA season-high 71 points

On January 2, 2023, Donovan Mitchell achieved an NBA season-high, career-high, and Cavaliers-record 71 points, along with eight rebounds and 11 assists, leading to a 145–134 overtime win against the Chicago Bulls. This performance marked the highest-scoring game for an NBA player since Kobe Bryant's 81-point game in 2006. Mitchell became the seventh player in NBA history to score 70 or more points in a single game, and the first to reach this milestone with at least 10 assists.