Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell scores 17 points in 21 minutes

All-Star guard rests in blowout win over Nets

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell scored 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting in 21 minutes of action during Thursday's 112-84 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Mitchell's scoring output was below his season average of 28.8 points per game, but he was able to rest for the majority of the second half as Cleveland led comfortably throughout.

Why it matters

Mitchell is a key player for the Cavaliers, who are looking to make a deep playoff run this season. Resting their star player in blowout wins will help keep him fresh for the stretch run and postseason.

The details

Mitchell scored 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range, and added three rebounds and five assists in his 21 minutes of action. The Cavaliers were in control for most of the game, allowing Mitchell to sit out the majority of the second half.

  • The game took place on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

An All-Star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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What they’re saying

“Mitchell's 17 points is well below his season average (28.8), but still a game-high in Cleveland's blowout win over the Nets. The All-Star guard played only 21 minutes as his team led comfortably throughout. That extra rest will come in handy as the Cavaliers face Charlotte next on the second leg of a back-to-back set.”

— Rotowire Staff (cbssports.com)

What’s next

The Cavaliers will face the Charlotte Hornets next, in the second game of a back-to-back set.

The takeaway

Resting key players like Donovan Mitchell in blowout wins is a smart strategy for the Cavaliers as they look to keep their star players fresh for the playoffs.