Donovan Mitchell is playing some of the best basketball of his career, and he proved it once again by leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a convincing 120-105 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

With this victory, the team wrapped up a six-game homestand at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, spoiling Kawhi Leonard’s return.

Mitchell showcased his entire arsenal: lightning-quick drives, fadeaway threes from the left side, and elite court vision. The stat line says it all: 37 points on 14-of-22 shooting, five threes on nine attempts, eight rebounds, six assists, and one steal, with only two turnovers. It’s his tenth 30-point game of the season and his fifth in the last six outings.

Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson couldn’t hold back his praise:

Is there any other guard in the NBA playing like him? It’s crazy.

Kenny Atkinson

For Atkinson, though, it’s not just the scoring that stands out, it’s how Mitchell elevates everyone around him:

He’s in an incredible rhythm, he has great control of the game and tremendous presence even from the bench. He’s in the so-called money spot of his career.

Kenny Atkinson

With Jarrett Allen out, Mitchell also took on a bigger rebounding role, fueling quick transitions and preventing opponents from setting their defense.

This is who I am. I just have to keep doing whatever it takes to win.

Donovan Mitchell

De’Andre Hunter backed that up:

This is the Donovan we’re used to seeing. Any night he can give you spectacular plays and huge scoring.

De’Andre Hunter

Mitchell isn’t just scoring: against the Clippers, he created offense, defended with intensity, and showed leadership at every stage. His all-around impact is undeniable:

I feel like I’m at my best. The only thing I really criticize myself for is turnovers, but I’m getting better as a point guard.

Donovan Mitchell

MVP-level numbers

After the latest NBA action, Mitchell is averaging 30.8 points per game, fifth in the league behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Maxey, and Luka Doncic.

A 65.6% True Shooting percentage and a 7.1 Box Plus-Minus place him among the very best. His presence on the floor is crucial: without him, the Cavaliers’ offensive efficiency drops by 11.6 points, and their effective field goal percentage dips by 6.6%.

The return of Darius Garland at point guard has eased some of the load on Mitchell’s shoulders, but No. 45 remains the team’s centerpiece:

We can’t keep relying on Donovan to save us every time, but we’re finally getting back to full strength.

Kenny Atkinson

With his consistency and his ability to impact every aspect of the game, Donovan Mitchell can no longer be ignored in the race for the NBA MVP award.