Mitchell has taken on a slightly different role this season, willingly taking a step back to purposely elevate and empower his younger teammates — Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.

Donovan Mitchell scored 27 of his game-high 35 points in the first half, helping the Cleveland Cavaliers to defeat the Indiana Pacers 127-117 in Indianapolis on Tuesday.

The Cleveland Cavaliers needed to bounce back after a tough loss, and bounce back they did. Notably, the loss and the bounce-back win had plenty to do with Donovan Mitchell. The former Utah Jazz combo guard wasn’t at his best in their previous encounter,

Pascal Siakam scored 23 points and Bennedict Mathurin 19 for the Pacers, who had their six-game winning streak halted. Myles Turned added 17 points. The Cavaliers led 82-77 in the third quarter before going on a 10-0 run that included 3-pointers by Max Strus, Georges Niang and Mobley. Cleveland led 100-89 after three periods.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, fueled by 35 points from Donovan Mitchell, beat the Indiana Pacers 127-117 on Tuesday, avenging a Sunday defeat and pushing their NBA-best record to 34-5.

It just speaks to our growth,” Mitchell said. “I told everybody after the game, as a unit, we don’t win this game last year. … Everybody that came in did something

Ultimately, Donovan Mitchell decided an organizational leap required sacrifice. He needed to take a step back so others could step forward. Evan Mobley specifically.

Donovan Mitchell is OUT for the #Cavs in tonight’s second game of a back-to-back against the Toronto Raptors. It’s a scheduled rest game for the five-time All-Star, who played 35

Big third quarter helps Cavaliers win on the road, avenging a home loss to the Pacers two nights earlier. Cavs' big four each play a big role.

Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points and the Cavaliers beat the Pacers 127-117 to end Indiana's six-game winning streak.