In a thrilling Game 3 showdown of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Donovan Mitchell etched his name deeper into Cleveland Cavaliers history, and one NBA legend took notice—LeBron James.
Mitchell put on a clinic Friday night against the Indiana Pacers, erupting for 43 points along with nine rebounds and five assists, leading the Cavaliers to a dominant 126–104 win. His explosive performance not only reignited Cleveland’s playoff hopes by cutting the series deficit to 2–1, but also drew admiration from across the league, including from the man whose shadow still looms large over the franchise—LeBron James.
While LeBron didn’t release a formal statement after the game, sources close to the four-time NBA champion confirmed that he reached out privately to Mitchell with a congratulatory message, praising his leadership and relentless energy. The two share mutual respect, with Mitchell often acknowledging James’s legacy in Cleveland and expressing his desire to “replicate what he did” by bringing another championship to the city.
Mitchell’s Game 3 performance came with shades of vintage LeBron, who carried the Cavaliers to countless postseason victories during his two stints with the team. Cavs fans, who once relied on James’s heroics, are beginning to see a new era emerge, led by Mitchell’s fearless play and big-game mentality.
This isn’t the first time LeBron has celebrated Mitchell’s historic moments. After Mitchell’s unforgettable 71-point outing in 2023, which broke James’s own single-game franchise record, LeBron tweeted, “Spider, you’re INSANE 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾.” The praise has continued as Mitchell consistently rises to the occasion when it matters most.
As Cleveland gears up for a pivotal Game 4, all eyes will be on Mitchell once again. For a city that still holds LeBron James close to heart, seeing their new superstar earn his respect and potentially carve out his own legacy is a powerful storyline—and one that LeBron himself seems eager to witness.
Could this be the beginning of a new championship chapter in Cleveland? With Donovan Mitchell at the helm and LeBron James watching from afar, the torch just might be in the process of being passed.
