Donovan Mitchell delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 39 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 106-94 win against the Orlando Magic in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Cavaliers overcame an 18-point deficit in the first half to avoid elimination and secure their first playoff series win without LeBron James since 1993.

Facing the threat of a first-round exit for the second consecutive year, Mitchell took charge. Despite a lingering left knee injury and having scored 50 points in Game 6, he willed the Cavaliers past an inexperienced Magic team. The Cavs found their groove in the second half, with Caris LeVert adding 15 points and Evan Mobley contributing 16 rebounds.

“I’m tired of losing in the first round,” Mitchell said after the game. He emphasized his commitment to staying aggressive despite his injury, saying, “I’m battling through what I’m battling through, but I could battle through it and figure it out, or rehab it for the next three or four months.”

The Cavaliers are set to face the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the next round, with Game 1 scheduled in Boston. Cleveland went 1-2 against the Celtics during the regular season, and the crowd at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse made their enthusiasm for the matchup clear, chanting “We want Boston!” in the final minutes of the game.

Mitchell acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting, “I’m pretty sure everybody thinks they’re going to come in and kick our ass. So for us to continue to stay level-headed throughout, and just be who we are, that’s the biggest thing.”