Donovan Mitchell Drops 46 Points After Getting Trash-Talked in NBA 2K26 The Cavaliers star turned online frustration into one of his best performances of the season

Some players unwind by playing NBA 2K26. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell used it for fuel.

On November 5, the six-time All-Star exploded for 46 points, adding eight assists and four rebounds in a statement win over the Philadelphia 76ers. But after the game, Mitchell revealed his motivation came from an online NBA 2K26 encounter earlier that day — with a trash-talking opponent who struck a nerve.

🎮 “This Kid Pissed Me Off”

When asked about his performance, Mitchell didn’t hesitate to share the story behind it.

“This kid pissed me off today. I was playing 2K,” Mitchell said, per CBS Sports. “I’d been playing for like two hours, and I told him too — I said, ‘Just wait.’ He called me washed up, said he hadn’t seen a highlight from me in a minute. I just told him, ‘Alright, we’ll see.’”

That “we’ll see” turned into one of Mitchell’s most dominant nights of the season. He later added with a grin that the performance “was for that kid or grown man” — whoever it was behind the screen — and thanked them for the extra push.

🔥 Turning Trash Talk Into Motivation

Mitchell’s fiery 46-point outing is a reminder of what makes him one of the NBA’s fiercest competitors. Known for his explosive scoring runs and unrelenting drive, Mitchell seems to thrive when there’s something — or someone — to prove wrong.

While other teams might be cutting down on video games (the Baltimore Ravens, for instance, recently removed gaming consoles from their locker room), Mitchell showed how a little virtual trash talk can translate into real-world dominance.

🕹️ About NBA 2K26

NBA 2K26 launched on September 5 for PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch (including Switch 2).

The latest entry in the long-running basketball series has already become a fixture in both casual and competitive gaming circles. Meanwhile, a new arcade-style title in the mold of NBA Street, called NBA The Run, is currently in development and set to release sometime next year.

💬 Final Thoughts

For Donovan Mitchell, NBA 2K26 wasn’t just a game — it was the spark behind a 46-point statement performance. Whether his mysterious online opponent realizes it or not, they might’ve helped ignite one of the best individual showings of the NBA season.