Mitchell Surpasses Irving as Cavaliers’ Three-Point Rise Accelerates
Donovan Mitchell’s latest milestone — passing Kyrie Irving on Cleveland’s all-time three-pointers list — underscores his rapid ascent as a franchise cornerstone.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
Donovan Mitchell added another significant chapter to his Cavaliers tenure this week, climbing past Kyrie Irving on the franchise’s all-time list for made three-pointers. The achievement came in remarkably short order, with Mitchell reaching the mark in 210 games, compared to Irving’s 381.
The accomplishment reflects not only Mitchell’s prolific scoring ability but also his continued evolution in Cleveland, where he is currently enjoying the most efficient shooting stretch of his NBA career. His surge in accuracy — surpassing 50% from the field for the first time — has been central to the Cavs’ rise to third in the Eastern Conference standings.
Mitchell’s latest milestone unfolded during a standout performance against the Los Angeles Clippers, where his perimeter shooting once again proved decisive. His jump in long-range production has reshaped Cleveland’s offensive profile, giving the team a dynamic lead scorer capable of stretching defenses in ways few guards in franchise history have matched.
As Mitchell’s impact continues to grow, his climb up the record books has become a storyline worth watching — one that reflects both his individual excellence and the Cavaliers’ hopes for long-term contention.
1. A Rapid Climb Up the Leaderboard
Mitchell’s ascent past Irving highlights the pace at which he has transformed into one of the most reliable deep threats in Cavaliers history. While Irving built his legacy through a blend of mid-range mastery and creative shot-making, Mitchell has leaned into high-volume perimeter shooting with remarkable efficiency. His 210-game path to the milestone stands as one of the quickest in the franchise’s modern era, illustrating how seamlessly he has adapted his game since arriving via trade from Utah in September 2022. The shift reflects both personal progression and a system that encourages him to operate freely as a long-range scorer. During the Clippers game that sealed the moment, Mitchell demonstrated the confidence and rhythm that have become hallmarks of his Cleveland tenure. Each three he converted added to a performance that underscored why he has become indispensable to the Cavaliers’ offensive attack. In many ways, surpassing Irving represents more than a numerical achievement — it symbolizes Mitchell’s establishment as the new face of Cleveland’s perimeter scoring tradition.
2. Closing In on Mark Price
Even with Irving now behind him, Mitchell’s climb is far from complete. His next target is franchise legend Mark Price, who occupies the No. 4 spot on the Cavs’ all-time three-pointers list. Mitchell sits just 78 threes away from overtaking the former All-Star. Price, long celebrated as one of Cleveland’s most technically sound shooters, set a standard for perimeter accuracy that has endured across generations. Mitchell’s pursuit of him places the current Cavs star in rare company among the organization’s most prolific marksmen. Achieving the feat would further cement Mitchell’s standing in franchise lore, especially considering he has reached such benchmarks in significantly fewer games than many Cavaliers greats. With his current pace, that next milestone could arrive well before the end of the season. The pursuit illustrates how Mitchell’s offensive evolution continues to elevate both his individual résumé and the broader historical context of the Cavaliers’ shooting legacy.
3. A Backcourt Built for the Future
While Mitchell’s rise has commanded much of the spotlight, his backcourt partner Darius Garland remains entrenched on the all-time three-pointers list as well, already tallying 907 made threes. Together, the duo forms one of the most productive long-range pairings in the league. What sets Mitchell apart, however, is his blend of volume, accuracy, and clutch scoring — traits that have elevated him into a central figure of Cleveland’s offensive identity. Should his current trend continue, he may one day surpass Garland and others atop the franchise leaderboard. Mitchell’s shooting efficiency has also played a critical role in Cleveland’s strong positioning in the East. His ability to strike from deep forces opponents to adjust defensively, creating opportunities for Garland, Evan Mobley, and a supporting cast that thrives off the spacing he generates. As the Cavaliers push toward another playoff appearance, Mitchell’s historic pace from beyond the arc stands as both a foundation of their present success and a preview of the franchise records he could eventually rewrite.