Donovan Mitchell, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ standout player, has made a name for himself during NBA All-Star Weekend, showcasing his shooting skills in the 3-Point Contest. This year marked his third career appearance in the contest, where he paid tribute to his teammates by wearing their jersey numbers. He donned Sam Merrill’s No. 5 in 2024 and Jaylon Tyson’s No. 20 on Saturday.
Mitchell started off strong in Los Angeles, scoring 24 points in the first round. He impressed the crowd by nailing 9 of his first 10 attempts from the right corner. However, his momentum faltered when he missed two shots from the logo, managing only 2-of-5 from the money ball rack on the left wing. He finished strong from the left corner, hitting 4-of-5 shots, including a vital money ball. Despite his impressive performance, he was edged out of the final round by Devin Booker, who dazzled with a score of 30, and Damian Lillard, who tied with 27.
In a surprising twist, Mitchell turned to X/Twitter to express his apologies to Tyson and Merrill for not advancing further in the contest. “I have failed y’all,” he wrote, reflecting his sportsmanship and strong team spirit. This gesture underscores Mitchell’s commitment to honoring his teammates, as he wore Tyson’s jersey two years after previously sporting Merrill’s on the same national stage.
While Mitchell’s performance was commendable, Merrill and Tyson both showcased exceptional shooting skills throughout the season, with Merrill boasting a 47.2% shooting percentage and Tyson slightly higher at 47.5%. Mitchell leads the league with 185 total three-pointers made this season, solidifying his reputation as a premier scorer.
Despite not reaching the final round this time, Lillard ultimately took home the winning title for the third time in his career, joining legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges in that exclusive club. Mitchell’s sportsmanship and respect for his teammates highlight the camaraderie that exists within the Cavaliers, showcasing a hopeful future for the team’s continued success in the league.