Donovan Mitchell scores 45 points to help Cavaliers win fourth straight game

CLEVELAND — Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson freely admits he's biased about his star player. "I can't believe he's not one of the top three players in the league," he said. First-team All-NBA guard Donovan Mitchell exploded for a game-high 45 points to extend Cleveland's winning streak to four with a convincing 114-98 decision over the Orlando Magic on Monday at Rocket Areana. Cleveland (28-20) has now won six of its last seven games and 11-of-15 since Dec. 29. Mitchell topped the 40-point plateau for the fifth time this season and 33rd time in his career. He converted 15-of-25 field goals, 5-of-8 3-pointers and 10-of-12 free throws. Mitchell buried nine field goals in a row over the second and third quarters before missing a 3-pointer. Atkinson said the six-time All-Star should be in the Most Valuable Player conversation. "He's delivering," he said. "We're riding him right now. He's having a great, great, great season." The Cavs outrebounded their opponent for the sixth consecutive game, this time 45-42. Forward/center Evan Mobley contributed 20 points, nine rebounds and two blocks for Cleveland, while guard Jaylon Tyson added 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists. The Cavs withstood a 37-point, 10-rebound performance from Magic forward Paolo Banchero. Orlando, which lost twice to Cleveland in the last three days, jumped to a 32-22 lead after the first quarter. That's when the Cavs blitzed the Magic 39-24 in the second quarter, as they shot .696 from the field (16-for-23), including 6-for-6 by Mitchell. They opened a 61-56 lead at halftime and weren't seriously threatened in the second half. "We're getting gritty wins," Atkinson said. "We're a different team from last year. We have to win in a different way. It's not always beautiful basketball by any means. We took that first punch (from the Magic) and then Donovan took over." Atkinson added he loves the minutes he's getting from his young players like Tyrese Proctor, Nae'Qwan Tomlin, Craig Porter Jr. and Tyson. "We're starting to figure out our young guys' roles," Atkinson said. "We're clarifying their roles. "The young guys play so hard. They are scrapping for every loose ball. That juices us." Cleveland's defense limited Orlando (23-22) to .404 shooting from the field, including .282 from long distance. Conversely, the Cavs shot .532 from the field and .440 from long distance. "It's nice when you have two elite rim protectors (in Jarrett Allen and Mobley)," Atkinson said. "We have different talent than other teams. "In the playoffs, grit wins. Toughness wins. It's a play-hard league now." Tyson was added to the Rising Stars game during All-Star weekend before Monday's contest. "It's one step closer to where I want to be," he said. "I do want to be an All-Star someday." Tyson said he'd also like to be considered for the league's Most Improved Player after this season. "I think I should be in that conversation," he said. Cleveland played without point guard Darius Garland (toe), forward De'Andre Hunter (knee), guard Sam Merrill (personal reasons) and swingman Max Strus (foot). Bob Finnan can be reached at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.