With Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter out for Game 2, Cavaliers point guard Donovan Mitchell was going to have to play hero against the Pacers.
Mitchell threatened his career high in playoff points, as he finished the game with 48 points to lead all players. He also almost matched LeBron James' Cavaliers playoff record of 51 points, which James totaled in the 2018 Finals.
However, it wasn't enough to pull off the victory. Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton scored four points in the final 12 seconds to steal the game away and leave Cleveland with a 120-119 victory and 2-0 series lead. Still, Mitchell did all he could to lead Cleveland, even though they came up short.
Here's a look at Mitchell's performance in the Game 2 loss.
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Donovan Mitchell stats vs. Pacers Game 2
- Points: 48
- Rebounds: 5
- Assists: 9
- Steals: 4
- FGM-FGA: 15-30
- 3PM-3PA: 1-7
- FTM-FTA: 17-21
Donovan Mitchell highlights
Mitchell's night was highlighted by a massive dunk late in the second quarter when the point guard dunked over Pacers forward Pascal Siakam.
OH MY GOODNESS DONOVAN MITCHELL 🤯
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025
He's now up to 21 points in 18 minutes on TNT! pic.twitter.com/Hw5tXMi5rv
However, Mitchell's night was more than just the dunk, as he produced for the Cavaliers all over the court to lead the team without Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
CLEAR THE RUNWAY FOR SPIDA 😤😤
— NBA (@NBA) May 6, 2025
IND/CLE Game 2 is now LIVE on TNT! pic.twitter.com/ySSJQhyVgC
Spin... fake... AND-1!!!
— NBA (@NBA) May 6, 2025
8 quick points for Donovan in the first quarter 🤩
📺 IND/CLE Game 2 on TNT pic.twitter.com/HAR6tCgRbD
DONOVAN. MITCHELL. AGAIN. FOR 29!
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025
📺 IND (1-0) CLE I Game 2 on TNT pic.twitter.com/DJ6fTuNi0U
SPIDA THROUGH CONTACT 💪
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025
He has 36 points through the 3Q on TNT! pic.twitter.com/Ci6vcEz1FF
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Donovan Mitchell playoff points career high
Mitchell's career high in points during a playoff game is 50, which he did against the Magic last year. however, Mitchell's 48 points on Tuesday night is now his second-most in the playoffs and the second time he surpassed 40 in a postseason game.
Cavaliers-Pacers series schedule
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| May 4 | Game 1: Pacers 121, Cavaliers 112 | -- | -- |
| May 6 | Game 2: Pacers 120, Cavaliers 119 | -- | -- |
| May 9 | Game 3: Cavaliers @ Pacers | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 11 | Game 4: Cavaliers @ Pacers | 8:00 p.m. | TNT |
| May 13 | Game 5: Pacers @ Cavaliers | TBD | TNT |
| May 15 | Game 6: Cavaliers @ Pacers | TBD | TBD |
| May 18 | Game 7: Pacers @ Cavaliers | TBD | TBD |