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 an American professional basketball player currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Drafted into the NBA in 2017, he played for the Utah Jazz from 2017 to 2022. He's a six-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All-NBA Team selection, marking him as one of the league's premier talents.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 1, 2017: Career-High Scoring Game

On December 1, 2017, Donovan Mitchell scored a career-high 41 points in a 114–108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. He set the Jazz scoring record for a rookie and became the first NBA rookie to score 40 points in a game since Blake Griffin in 2011. He surpassed Darrell Griffith's team-record 38 in 1981.

2017: All-Conference Honors 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. As a rookie with the Utah Jazz, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

January 4, 2018: Western Conference Rookie of the Month

On January 4, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December 2017.

January 15, 2018: Franchise Record for 20+ Point Games

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 2, 2018: Second 40-Point Game

On February 2, 2018, Donovan Mitchell recorded his second 40-point game of his rookie season against the Phoenix Suns, becoming the first rookie guard to notch two 40-point games since Allen Iverson in 1996–97.

February 5, 2018: Slam Dunk Contest Win

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

March 1, 2018: Western Conference Rookie of the Month (Third Time)

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: NBA All-Rookie First Team Selection

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

2018: Slam Dunk Contest Win

In 2018, Donovan Mitchell won the Slam Dunk Contest as a rookie with the Utah Jazz.

August 17, 2020: Playoff Scoring Record

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

February 23, 2021: Second All-Star Selection

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: Third All-Star Selection

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.

2022: Trade to Cavaliers and Postseason Appearance

In 2022, Donovan Mitchell was traded from the Jazz to the Cavaliers. He led Cleveland to the postseason for the first time since the 2017–18 season and the first without LeBron James since 1997–98. He also scored a Cavaliers record 71 points in a game that season.

January 2, 2023: Scores 71 points in win over Bulls

On January 2, 2023, Donovan Mitchell achieved an NBA season-high, career-high, and Cavaliers-record of 71 points, along with eight rebounds and 11 assists, in a 145–134 overtime victory against the Chicago Bulls. This performance marked the highest-scoring game for any 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 he was the first to reach that milestone with at least 10 assists.

January 25, 2025: Named Eastern Conference All-Star starter

On January 25, 2025, Donovan Mitchell was selected as an Eastern Conference starter for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking his sixth consecutive All-Star selection and his second time being chosen as a starter.