The Cleveland Cavaliers have raced out to a scintillating 12-0 start to the 2024-25 NBA season, and one former NBA champion believes Donovan Mitchell could be in line for the league’s Most Valuable Player award. Tristan Thompson, who won a title with the Cavs in 2016, firmly endorsed the All-Star to win the MVP this season.
The Cavaliers have etched their name in the NBA history books, becoming just the eighth team to start a season with a perfect 12-0 record. This remarkable achievement places them among the elite, alongside the likes of the legendary 2015-16 Golden State Warriors.
Leading the charge for the Cavaliers was Mitchell, who put on a scintillating performance. He scored a game-high 36 points, guiding his team through a challenging comeback effort against the Chicago Bulls. Despite trailing by nine points in the third quarter, the Cavaliers showcased their resilience and teamwork to secure the 119-113 victory.
Cleveland’s depth and balanced scoring were on full display, with five players reaching double-digit points. This collective effort has been a hallmark of the Cavaliers’ impressive start, as they’ve proven that they are not reliant on a single superstar but rather a cohesive unit that thrives on selfless play.
As the Cavaliers continue their historic run, the question on everyone’s mind is how long they can maintain this level of dominance. With Mitchell’s leadership, the team’s depth, and their collective willingness to sacrifice for the greater good, the Cavaliers have positioned themselves as one of the most exciting teams in the NBA. Their quest for a championship may very well be within reach, as they have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.
Former NBA Champion Tristan Thompson Picks Donovan Mitchell as His 2024-25 MVP
Mitchell’s performance this season has garnered a lot of admirers, including Thompson. This can be seen in a tweet he posted on his official X account.
MVP!! https://t.co/ZtDcQI2BMr
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) November 12, 2024
Apart from Thompson, the Cavaliers’ scorching start to the season has caught the attention of NBA pundits, with former champion Richard Jefferson and analyst Jeff Teague both endorsing Donovan Mitchell as an early MVP frontrunner. Jefferson believes that if the Cavaliers can maintain their elite level of play, Mitchell’s brilliant performances could earn him the league’s top individual honor. Teague echoed these sentiments, asserting that the Cavaliers’ star guard has been the best two-way player in the NBA so far.
As the Cavaliers continue to defy expectations, Mitchell’s candidacy for MVP will only grow stronger. His ability to lead Cleveland’s high-powered offense while also anchoring their stifling defense has been integral to their undefeated start. If the Cavaliers can solidify their status as title contenders, Mitchell’s case for MVP will become increasingly difficult to ignore.
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