Time and time again, All-NBA shooting guard Donovan Mitchell has saved the Cleveland Cavaliers from what would have been a devastating loss.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell scored the most points he's ever scored in a game against the Washington Wizards Friday night since dropping 71 points on the Chicago Bulls in 2023.

Mitchell’s heroics saved Cleveland from its latest morale-zapping loss, as it rallied in the fourth quarter for a 130-126 victory.

Donovan Mitchell urges the Cavaliers to fix defensive issues after another tough loss, stressing urgency as momentum slips.

The Cavaliers beat the Wizards on Friday, which is what they were supposed to do. The way they did it, however, was less reassuring. Cleveland needed every bit of Donovan Mitchell’s 48 points, including 24 in the fourth quarter,

The Cavs made a franchise-altering bet when they traded for Donovan Mitchell that their young core of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley would develop quickly enough to create a championship window during Mitchell’s prime.

Kendrick Perkins slammed Jeff Teague for his wild comparison between Donovan Mitchell and Miami legend Dwyane Wade.

Guard Jaylon Tyson added 27 points and 11 rebounds. Forward De'Andre Hunter and center Evan Mobley added 13 points each. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 26 points and seven rebounds. Guard Andrew Nembhard scored 21 points. Center Jay Huff and guard Garrison Mathews scored 15 points each. Bennedict Mathurin had 11 points, all in the second half.

Mitchell scored 24 of his 48 points in the fourth quarter. He drilled eight 3-pointers on the evening. And in the process, he passed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and tied Jayson Tatum on the all-time 45-point game list. Tatum and Mitchell have both had nine such games in their careers now, according to StatMuse.