Donovan Mitchell Reveals Alcohol Secret Behind 71-Point Game

Donovan Mitchell Recalls His Record-Breaking 71-Point Night

The historic performance unfolded during an overtime thriller against the Chicago Bulls where the Cavaliers secured a 145-134 victory. Mitchell recounted that the team played on New Year’s Eve, celebrated in Cleveland on New Year’s Day, and then took the court the following afternoon. “I’ve never drank before a game in my life,” Mitchell stated on the “Cousins” podcast, as cited by OutKick. “It was New Year’s. So I did have a drink — a few drinks — the night before the game.”

The guard noted that he entered the contest feeling thoroughly exhausted. Mitchell struggled through the first half, scoring just 16 points while the Cavaliers fell behind by as many as 20 points. “My body is already tired, whatever. I’m going through that rough stretch,” Mitchell explained during the podcast appearance.

How a Slow Start Turned Into an Historic Scoring Outburst

Facing a double-digit deficit, Mitchell initially hoped simply to make the game competitive. “Let’s just get the game close within maybe 10 in the fourth quarter. And then see what happens,” Mitchell said. Instead, shots began falling in the second half, allowing him to drive to the rim with confidence.

Details show how the scoring avalanche unfolded across the final frames:

• Third Quarter: Mitchell poured in 24 points, shooting 6-9 from the field and going a perfect 12-12 from the free-throw line.
• Fourth Quarter: He added 18 points on 7-11 shooting to help force overtime.
• Overtime: Mitchell completed the historic night with 13 points on flawless 4-4 shooting splits, including three baskets from beyond the arc.

Carter and McGrady expressed amazement at the turnaround, which required the Cavaliers star to score nearly 55 points after halftime and in the extra period. Mitchell credited the unusual combination of New Year’s beverages and a relentless second-half rhythm for propelling him through the fatigue.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Donovan Mitchell score 71 points?

Mitchell scored his career-high 71 points on January 2, 2023, during a 145-134 overtime win against the Chicago Bulls.

Which podcast did Donovan Mitchell appear on to discuss the game?

OutKick reports that Mitchell revealed the details during an appearance on the “Cousins” podcast, hosted by Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.

How many points did Mitchell have at halftime?

Mitchell struggled early and recorded only 16 points by halftime before exploding for 55 points after the break and in overtime.