Wild Donovan Mitchell vs. Jalen Brunson showdown makes history not seen in 26 years

Friday’s Cleveland Cavaliers-New York Knicks showdown is one for the history books, as Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson combined for a rather rare feat that hasn’t been seen in the NBA in 26 years.

Both players scored over 20 points each in the first quarter of the game, becoming the first opposing players to do so since the 1996-97 season, per NBA History. Mitchell had 23 points in the opening frame, while Brunson had 21.

For what it’s worth, Brunson torched the Cavs big time, as he finished with 33 points at the half–a career-high for points at a half. He also made Knicks history for most points in a first half since Carmelo Anthony’s 37 in 2014.

WILD first quarter in Cleveland

Brunson:
21 PTS, 8/11 FG

Mitchell:
23 PTS, 9/10 FG

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It’s definitely a wild exchange between the two. Making it even more interesting, they will always be connected by the Knicks narrative. As New York fans know, the team tried to trade for Donovan Mitchell in the past offseason in hopes to pair him up with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. Unfortunately, Mitchell ended up with the Cavs and New York had to settle with what they have.

Both players have found success with their respective teams, with Mitchell leading the Cavs to their first playoff appearance in the post-LeBron James era. It would have been incredible to see both Mitchell and Brunson on the same side, though we wouldn’t have seen that intense blow-by-blow trade on Friday had Donovan been a Knick.

Maybe they’ll get to become teammates in the future. But for now, we can all enjoy the greatness that the two are displaying this 2022-23 campaign.

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