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Donovan Mitchell · In the aftermath of yet another electric offensive performance, this time in a Game Two blowout to stun the top-seeded Boston Celtics on their home floor, Donovan Mitchell offered a simple explanation for what propelled his second-half takeover: “Just picking my spots.” Unfortunately for the Celtics’ defense, those “spots” essentially meant every area of the hardwood when it came to the five-time All-Star. Already directing traffic prior to even crossing the halfcourt line, Mitchell puts Boston through the maze with a pair of high screens before assessing his options from the left wing. Coolheaded, even with the clock down to its final three seconds and Jayson Tatum obstructing his path, Mitchell prevails in the star-powered matchup with a fleet-footed crossover, creating enough space to elevate into a buzzer-beating triple, extending the Cleveland Cavaliers’ lead to double figures in the process. An already-historic postseason bucket-getter, Mitchell added another bullet to the résumé on May 9, 2024, netting a game-high 29 points — including 23 in the second half — paired with seven rebounds, eight assists, five 3-pointers, and a +38 plus-minus, tying the series at one game apiece. Mitchell’s heroics also guided a 24-point win, the largest postseason victory for a double-digit underdog since 1991. · State of Mint