Scoreboard
Knicks 102, Suns 83
Lakers 121, Hornets 115
Cavaliers 145, Bulls 134 (OT)
Pacers 122, Raptors 114
76ers 120, Pelicans 111
Nets 139, Spurs 103
Mavericks 111, Rockets 106
Timberwolves 124, Nuggets 111
Warriors 143, Hawks 141 (OT2)
Trail Blazers 135, Pistons 106
Heat 110, Clippers 100
What went down
History was made in Cleveland as Donovan Mitchell fired 71 points – tying eighth all-time for the single-game scoring record – to help the Cavaliers in their comeback victory over the Chicago Bulls.
Mitchell provided the late-game heroics for his squad as he forced overtime off a putback after intentionally missing his free throw with three seconds remaining. This sequence broke the Cavaliers' record with 58 points. He scored 18 points in the fourth period and 13 more in the extra session.
Spida sends it to OT 🕷 pic.twitter.com/dgdx0vDnhM
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 3, 2023
The Bulls had control for the majority of the contest, enjoying a lead of as many as 21 points in the second period. The Cavaliers only led in overtime and held on for their 24th victory of the season.
Big-time baller
Mitchell reached 71 points by shooting 22-of-34 from the field, 7-of-15 from downtown, and 20-of-25 from the line. Aside from the points, he also had 11 assists, eight rebounds, and one block.
There are a lot of historic footnotes in his jaw-dropping performance. The 71 points are obviously a career-high for him as he also set the franchise scoring record in Cleveland, surpassing 57 points set by both LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. He became the seventh player in league history to score at least 70 points in a game, joining the illustrious company of Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, David Thompson, Elgin Baylor, and David Robinson.
It was the most points scored by a player since Kobe had 81 against the Toronto Raptors in 2006.
HISTORY.@ThatsJared | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/3Mi0ilSqfe
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 3, 2023
What he said
A lot of people around the league congratulated Mitchell for his epic performance. But the best quote comes from his teammate Robin Lopez:
I'm going to get it out of the way and point out that Donovan Mitchell and Robin Lopez combined for 72 tonight. Hashtag Historic Game.
— Robin Lopez (@rolopez42) January 3, 2023
Did you see that?
Kevon Looney delivered the buzzer-beater for the Warriors over the Hawks in double overtime. Klay Thompson also had a monster outing in this one, scoring a season-high 54 points, punctuated by 10 triples.
KEVON LOONEY GAME-WINNER! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/fyR7GVqzZQ
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 3, 2023
