An unruly Donovan Mitchell fan caused a scene during Friday’s game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets.
The incident occurred during a brief stoppage in play at the 5:02 mark of the fourth quarter at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Mitchell was standing near the right wing when a young man in a colorful purple hoodie charged at him. The fan had a phone in his hand and appeared to either be taking a video or live-streaming this close encounter with Mitchell.
The fan was immediately apprehended by Barclays Center security and escorted out of the venue.
This fan rushed the court and ran up to Donovan Mitchell. 😳
(h/t @HoodiGarland)
pic.twitter.com/qR4cmFWR0D
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 25, 2025
Mitchell did not humor the fan with any sort of friendly interaction. The Cavaliers star backpedalled away from the fan and kept his distance as security sorted out the matter.
“I took a few steps back, repositioned my feet, and was ready to handle whatever was necessary,” Mitchell said of the incident after the game, via the Plain Dealer’s Chris Fedor.
The run-in with the fun may have thrown Mitchell out of his rhythm. He missed his only shot attempt and went 2/4 from the free throw line with a turnover in the game’s closing minutes. But the Cavaliers held on for a 131-124 victory.
Mitchell still finished with a game-high 35 points on 10/15 shooting to go along with 5 assists and 3 steals.