Donovan Mitchell drives to the basket during the NBA game in Paris on January 11, 2024. Photo by Christophe Ena via AP Photo
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver sat on the sidelines in Accor Arena as the Cavaliers defeated the Nets in Paris.
In what was only the third regular season game to ever be played in the French capital, Donovan Mitchell scored 45 points. It was an all-around domination of the Brooklyn Nets as Cleveland would win the game 111-102, and now, Brooklyn has dropped 12 of their last 15.
45 for 45
Mitchell went off in the game, scoring his season-high and achieving his 16th game with Cleveland scoring 40 points or more. It was his quick start that allowed the Cavs to gain momentum and never look back, propelling them to victory. The Nets simply couldn’t keep up. To credit the Nets, they did almost overcome a 26-point deficit, but ultimately failed.
“I think Donovan came out ready for the moment,” said Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “We talked about beforehand how special this game was to be a part of, what it means for the NBA to select you to come over here and represent the league and the game of basketball on a worldwide stage, and I thought Donovan was phenomenal at giving the audience and us what they came to see and what we needed to go and win the game.”
Former Nets
Mitchell wasn’t the only spark plug for the Cavs last night. Former Nets Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen had 21 and 12 points, respectively. It wasn’t all horrors for the Nets, however, as some of their players performed well. Cam Thomas and Mikal Bridges each scored 26 points, combining for 52 (Emil) points. The bench also provided a bit of support, but again, it was ultimately not enough.
“We did some really good things in the second half, [but Mitchell’s] ability to just put that ball in the hole is a difference maker,” said Nets coach Jacque Vaughn.
In attendance for the game were a variety of international superstars, including Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, and David Beckham. The NBA hopes that this game in Paris could be a preview for the international Olympic games, which will be played there this summer. The U.S. has won the last four Gold Medals in men’s basketball, and hopes to continue that streak in 2024.
“I think a love of competition and a love of this market, seemingly all the marquee U.S. NBA players want to participate,” Silver said.
Silver also stated that he expects the NBA to play more games in France next season. Those games could be headlined by 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick, Victor Wembanyama, who is French. Ultimately, those details will be revealed in time, but we are in for some exciting basketball ahead.
