NBA players are masters at finding motivation wherever they can. Donovan Mitchell reminded us of this fact on Wednesday when he credited a kid who was heckling him during an online game of NBA 2K26 for inspiring his brilliant 46-point, eight-assist outing in the Cleveland Cavaliers ' 132-121 win over the Philadelphia 76ers .

Donovan Mitchell scored 46 points and became the second player in Cavaliers history with 20 40-point games, joining LeBron James.

Donovan Mitchell poured in 37 points, and the short-handed Cavs beat the Hawks at Rocket Arena. Here's how the game unfolded.

This game was for that kid or grown man, whoever that was," Mitchell said following the Cavs' win Wednesday night. "I appreciate you. I told him I’d give him a shoutout, too. That’s what tonight was."

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell's seventh signature adidas basketball shoe is 20% in four colorways online.

ESPN BET Sportsbook is owned and operated by PENN Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries ('PENN'). ESPN BET is available in states where PENN is licensed to offer sports wagering. Must be 21+ to wager. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Cleveland Cavaliers star Darius Garland could return from offseason toe surgery as soon as Wednesday's matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers, ESPN's Shams Charania reported.