Cavs' Donovan Mitchell never wanted the Knicks — he just wanted moments like this

He scored 21 points in the third, tying a franchise playoff record previously held by Kyrie Irving. He didn't slow down much in the fourth, either, with 18more.

By the final frame, Cleveland fans were chanting 'M-V-P' as Mitchell knocked down free throws.

In all, Mitchell scored 39points in the second half. That tied the all-time playoff record for a half, now joining Sleepy Floyd atop that list.

Mitchell got to that mark with one final free throw that the Cavs probably wished he never had to shoot -- the benchwarmers nearly blew the game, and Kenny Atkinson had to turn back to his starters, who did close it out successfully. The only blemish on Mitchell's night was that he missed the second of the two freebies he had there, so he didn't pass Floyd, instead rimming in and out.

This is the version of Mitchell who is trying to rewrite his story. He's always made the playoffs in the NBA. He's never made it past the second round.

And so with each second-half bucket, Mitchell was trying to push that monkey off his back. He's two wins away still, but he's proving he might just have what it takes, and that he didn't need to go anywhere else to do so.

Maybe the bright lights of New York City looked to some like they beckoned for Mitchell.

But for Donovan himself? Cleveland is right where he belongs.

MORE:Inside the Cavs' 23-0 third-quarter run that set an all-time franchise record

Donovan Mitchell stats

These were the final stats on Monday night for Mitchell:

• 43 points
• 13-26 FG
• 4-12 3FG
• 13-15 FT
• 5 rebounds
• 2 assists
• 1 steal
• 1 turnover
• Plus-27

It was the eighth 40-point game of his playoff career, and maybe the most magnificent.

More NBA news:

• Bronny James just did something Michael Jordan never did
• Clippers are set up to trade Darius Garland again
• Warriors' Steve Kerr news means it's time to talk about LeBron and Steph
• Anthony Davis is the magic touch for the No. 1 pick
• Jaylen Brown blames the 'media' for a problem he created himself