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 professional American basketball player currently playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Drafted into the NBA in 2017, he initially played for the Utah Jazz from 2017 to 2022. Mitchell is a six-time NBA All-Star. In 2023, he was named to the All-NBA Second Team, cementing his place as one of the league's premier talents.
1980: Highest Scoring Output by a Rookie in a Series-Clinching Win Since 1980
Since 1980, Donovan Mitchell holds the record for the highest scoring output by a rookie in a series-clinching win, with 38 points in Game 6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
1981: Darrell Griffith's Team Record
In 1981, Darrell Griffith set the Utah Jazz rookie record for most points in a game with 38, until Donovan Mitchell surpassed him.
1996: Allen Iverson's 40-point Games
In the 1996-97 season, Allen Iverson became the last rookie guard to notch two 40-point games until Donovan Mitchell in 2018.
2011: Last Rookie Scored 40 Points Before Mitchell
In 2011, Blake Griffin scored 40 points, the last rookie before Donovan Mitchell in 2017.
2015: Jordan Brand Classic Regional Game Invitation
In 2015, Donovan Mitchell was invited to play in the regional game for the Jordan Brand Classic, a recognition of his talent as a basketball player.
2016: Last Cavaliers Multiple 40-Point Scorers
In 2016, the last time the Cavaliers had multiple 40-point scorers was Game 5 of the NBA Finals, when LeBron James and Kyrie Irving both had 41.
December 1, 2017: Career High 41 Points
On December 1, 2017, Donovan Mitchell scored a career-high 41 points, setting a Jazz rookie scoring record and becoming the first NBA rookie to score 40 points since Blake Griffin in 2011.
December 2017: Western Conference Rookie of the Month
In December 2017, Donovan Mitchell was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month.
2017: All-Conference Honors & 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 and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team as a rookie with the Utah Jazz.
January 4, 2018: Western Conference Rookie of the Month (December 2017)
On January 4, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December 2017 after averaging impressive stats.
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 with his 19th such game.
February 5, 2018: Slam Dunk Contest Win
On February 5, 2018, Donovan Mitchell participated in the 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest as an injury replacement and won, marking a significant achievement.
March 1, 2018: Western Conference Rookie of the Month (February)
On March 1, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for the third time that season for his performance 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, recognizing his outstanding performance during his rookie season.
2018: Slam Dunk Contest Win
In 2018, as a rookie, Donovan Mitchell won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, showcasing his athletic abilities.
August 17, 2020: 57 Points in Playoff Game
On August 17, 2020, Donovan Mitchell scored 57 points in a playoff game against the Denver Nuggets, marking the third-highest scoring performance in NBA playoff history.
February 23, 2021: Second Consecutive All-Star Selection
On February 23, 2021, Donovan Mitchell was chosen as a Western Conference reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, earning his second consecutive All-Star selection.
February 3, 2022: Third Consecutive 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.
January 2, 2023: Mitchell Scores 71 Points
On January 2, 2023, Donovan Mitchell achieved an NBA season-high, career-high, and Cavaliers-record 71 points in a 145–134 overtime victory against the Chicago Bulls. He also had eight rebounds and 11 assists, making him the seventh player in NBA history to score 70 or more points in a game, and the first to do so with at least 10 assists.
2023: All-NBA Second Team Selection
In 2023, Donovan Mitchell was named to the All-NBA Second Team, marking a significant achievement in his career.
January 25, 2025: Mitchell Named All-Star Starter
On January 25, 2025, Donovan Mitchell was named an Eastern Conference starter for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking his sixth consecutive selection and his second selection as a starter.
