Donovan Mitchell Explodes in First Half, Dunks on Siakam in Game 2 Showcase

Mitchell Carries Undermanned Cavs in First Half Surge

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered Game 2 missing three key starters — Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De’Andre Hunter — but Donovan Mitchell brought more than enough fire to keep Cleveland afloat.

In a dazzling first-half performance, Mitchell scored 21 points in just 18 minutes and delivered a jaw-dropping highlight: a coast-to-coast drive that ended with a thunderous one-handed dunk over Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam.

The crowd at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse erupted. Mitchell crashed to the floor after the slam, but the message was clear — the Cavaliers were not backing down.

A Historic First Half

Mitchell’s dominance didn’t stop at the rim. He either scored or assisted on 36 of the Cavs’ 61 first-half points, per ESPN Research. His offensive production helped Cleveland take a 61–50 lead into halftime despite being severely shorthanded.

It was a continuation of his red-hot playoff form. After dropping 33 in Game 1, Mitchell followed it up with another aggressive and efficient scoring burst in Game 2.

Joining Elite Cavaliers Company

This latest performance marked Mitchell’s third 30-point outing in five playoff games this postseason. That puts him in rare company — only LeBron James has recorded three or more 30-point games in the first five games of a Cavaliers postseason run.

It’s a reminder of just how impactful Mitchell has been in his short Cleveland playoff tenure. Injuries may have decimated the roster, but Mitchell’s star has only shined brighter.

Statement Made

Even with Mobley, Garland, and Hunter watching from the bench, Mitchell made sure Game 2 wasn’t a write-off.

He sent a message with his play — and with that dunk on Siakam:

Cleveland’s not done yet. Neither is Donovan Mitchell.