Donovan Mitchell drops 1-word declaration for $197M Cavs star after masterful performance in Cleveland

Donovan Mitchell sat on the bench while his Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Darius Garland put on a show on Thursday against the Toronto Raptors. Spida didn't play the Cavs’ second game of a back-to-back set but cheered from the sidelines as Garland lit up the Raptors for 40 points on 14-for-22 shooting, including 4-for-7 from deep.

Mitchell went on Instagram to react to Garland’s exceptional performance and wrote:

“All (star emoji)”

Donovan Mitchell reacts to teammate Darius Garland's impressive performance against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. [photo: @spidadmitchell/IG]

Garland, who signed a five-year, $197 million contract in 2022, last earned an All-Star nod during the 2021-22 season.

The speedy guard is a favorite to make it back to the team, considering how he has been playing this campaign. DG is averaging 20.4 points per game on career-high shooting 49.4%, including a sizzling 42.9% from deep. Mitchell is the Cavs’ best and most versatile scorer, but Garland has been just as impactful.

Against the Toronto Raptors, Darius Garland had 14 points, three assists and two steals in the fourth quarter. He had a stretch where he scored 12 straight points to carry his tired team. Without Donovan Mitchell, Garland delivered an impressive performance in the Cavs' 132-126 victory.

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Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell have led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the best record in the NBA

The Cleveland Cavaliers haven't lost since Dec.8 when they succumbed 122-113 to the Miami Heat. Darius Garland led the Cavs, who played their second game of a back-to-back set, with 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. Donovan Mitchell struggled, finishing with 12 points on 5-for-16 shots, including 1-for-5 from deep.

Since that loss to the Heat, the Cavs have strung together 12 straight wins, the most in the NBA this season. Before dispatching the Raptors, Cleveland ended the OKC Thunder’s 10-game winning run with a hard-earned 129-122 win. The Cavaliers are atop the standings with a 33-4 record, while Oklahoma is second with a 30-6 mark.

Mitchell and Garland are the biggest reasons why Cleveland has the best record in the NBA. They are scoring dynamos, who are also the team’s best facilitators.

Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are also important, but the Cavs’ star guards make the team hum. The Cavaliers have the best offensive rating in the league because of the Mitchell-Garland combo.

When the All-Star game rolls in February, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland could be representing the Cleveland Cavaliers.