Chicago Bulls falter late as Donovan Mitchell scores 71 to lead Cleveland Cavaliers to OT win

The Chicago Bulls are going to have nightmares about Donovan Mitchell after his incredible performance on Monday night.

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls are a team steeped in rich history full of unforgettable moments. However, for all the positives in the franchise's history, there is also a flipside that has seen some unfortunate outcomes. 

On Monday night, the Bulls were on the wrong side of such an event when Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell scored 71 points against them, setting a franchise record and becoming only the seventh NBA player to break the 70 points in a game threshold. Here are three takeaways from Monday night's game.

Dominant Donovan

While Mitchell has already established himself as an All-Star in the Association, nobody ever thought he was capable of something like this. Mitchell's 71-point performance, which included seven three-pointers and 20 free throws, was nothing short of remarkable as he absolutely took over the game in the second half. The scoring feat is the eighth-highest in the league and the most scored in a single game since the late great Kobe Bryant put up 81 points in 2006.

The other players to break the 70-point threshold are Wilt Chamberlain, David Thompson, Elgin Baylor, David Robinson, and Devin Booker.

“To be there in the record book with guys like Wilt is truly humbling,” said Mitchell.

Every single point Mitchell scored was extremely crucial as Cleveland came all the way back from a 21-point deficit. Mitchell's putback off his own missed free-throw in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter tied the game at 130-all to send it to overtime.

Are you serious, Donovan?! 😳 pic.twitter.com/YVpO9RDmzs

— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) January 3, 2023

Uncalled lane violation

It will be interesting to see what NBA officials will say in the Last Two Minute Report about that putback by Mitchell that tied the game late in regulation. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said he believes Mitchell committed a lane violation in that pivotal play. A screenshot of the play in question shows that Mitchell was already in the shaded lane before his shot reached the rim.

Here’s a screen grab (terrible at those) with ball yet to hit rim and Mitchell in lane https://t.co/KHJ8uNLesD pic.twitter.com/7EVbuzga2V

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 3, 2023

Clutch woes continue

A few days after suffering a close loss to this very same Cavs squad, the Bulls yet again experienced heart-breaking defeat. The loss pushes Chicago's record in clutch situations (a game within five points in the last five minutes of regulation) to 7-13, which includes an awful 1-4 mark in overtime games. Moreover, they have yet to win a single game in three tries against the Cavs, who happen to be their division rivals.

The road for the Bulls does not get any easier as they host the red-hot Brooklyn Nets—winners of 12 straight games—on Wednesday.