Donovan Mitchell is on fire for the Cleveland Cavaliers, delivering MVP-caliber performances and keeping the team competitive in the Eastern Conference race. With a career-best scoring average and multiple 30-point explosions to kick off 2026, Spida has the Cavs rolling despite some tough losses. Here’s why Mitchell is one of the NBA’s hottest stars right now.
Through early January, Mitchell is averaging an elite 29.8 points per game (4th in the NBA), along with 5.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 threes made, and 1.5 steals in 33.9 minutes. He’s shooting 49.7% from the field and 38.5% from three, leading the league with 130 made threes entering recent play. His efficiency and volume make him a nightmare for defenses.
Hot Streak in January 2026: Back-to-Back 30+ Point Games
- January 2 vs. Denver Nuggets (Win 113-108): Mitchell exploded for 33 points (14-24 FG, 5-12 3PT), 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. He led a late comeback, scoring clutch buckets to outlast a short-handed Nuggets team and improve Cleveland to 20-16.
- January 4 vs. Detroit Pistons (Loss 110-114): Another 30 points (10-21 FG, 3-10 3PT), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in 33 minutes. Mitchell nearly willed the Cavs back but fell short.
- January 8 @ Minnesota Timberwolves (Loss 122-131): 30 points (10-20 FG, 2-8 3PT), 8 assists, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal in 37 minutes. He kept Cleveland in it with strong fourth-quarter scoring.


Cavaliers’ Record and Outlook with Mitchell Leading
The Cavs sit around 21-18 (roughly 8th in the East) as of mid-January, staying in playoff contention thanks to Mitchell’s consistency. Wins like the Nuggets thriller highlight his ability to close games, while close losses show the team’s potential when healthy. With Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen rounding out the core, Cleveland could climb higher if Mitchell keeps this momentum.Mitchell’s leadership and scoring have the Cavaliers “rolling” early in 2026—searching for Donovan Mitchell January 2026 highlights, Spida 30-point games, or Cavaliers vs Nuggets January 2 will show why fans are buzzing.
Is Donovan Mitchell your early MVP pick? Drop your thoughts in the comment section !.