Cavaliers vs. Celtics Overtime Thriller
In a thrilling overtime matchup held on November 30, 2025, the Cleveland Cavaliers narrowly fell to the Boston Celtics with a score of 117-115. The game showcased standout performances, including a solid showing from Donovan Mitchell, who played a pivotal role in the Cavaliers’ efforts at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Mitchell’s Rising Star
As Mitchell continues to shine this season, he’s garnered notable recognition among his peers. According to a recent poll conducted by The Athletic during the All-Star weekend, he was voted as the third-best player in the NBA by fellow players. The only players to receive more votes than the talented shooting guard were Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while he was tied with Luka Doncic.
This acknowledgment positions Mitchell as not just a leading figure in the Eastern Conference but also the top American player in the current basketball landscape. It’s worth mentioning, however, that the player poll was somewhat limited in scope, with just 18 players weighing in on the key question: “Who is the best player in the NBA?” In this small sample, Jokic led with six votes, followed by SGA with three, while both Mitchell and Doncic received two votes each.
Interestingly, Mitchell cast one of those votes for himself, humorously noting to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, “Come on, Joe, I gotta say me, always.” The second vote that bolstered his tally came from his teammate, Jaylon Tyson, who participated in the Rising Stars challenge during the same weekend.
Impressive Season Statistics
Despite the quirky nature of the poll, where bias among voters could be a factor, it’s hard to dismiss Mitchell’s impressive statistics this season. He is currently averaging a remarkable 29 points and 5.9 assists per game, leading the Cavaliers as they seek to establish themselves as serious contenders in the East. His growing chemistry with James Harden, who joined him in the backcourt, adds another layer of excitement to the Cavaliers’ campaign.
Insights from The Athletic’s Survey
The Athletic’s survey included insights from over 30 players at the Los Angeles All-Star events, covering various topics beyond the top player rankings, including podcast favorites and challenges facing the league today. For deeper insights into the polling outcomes, readers can explore the complete anonymous results provided by The Athletic.
