As the NBA season rolls on, every game remains a critical part of securing a high playoff seed. The Utah Jazz, holders of the best record in the league for quite some time now, are no different.
Despite blowing a substantial lead while hosting the Memphis Grizzlies, the Jazz were able to hold on and ended up winning 117-114. Donovan Mitchell was a large reason why the team escaped with a win. The two-time All-Star poured in 35 points, five rebounds, and six assists on a clean 12-of-23 shooting night. This continued a prolific stretch for Utah’s star guard.
It’s not like Mitchell was struggling before the All-Star break. Averages of 24.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting over 38% from deep are very good. The simple fact is that in the eight games since returning, Mitchell has ascended. In this sample, he’s averaging a whopping 29.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game while also improving his shooting splits. Mitchell has converted on 47.9% of his shot attempts, made 42.6% of his threes, and shot 89.1% at the free-throw line.
This is a welcomed improvement from Mitchell, as he struggled with overall efficiency earlier in the season. In the first half of the campaign, he shot just 42.1% from the field. Getting that figure up to nearly 48% in the second half is a massive spike. The Jazz, a team that lost three out of four games heading into the break, will need it.
Quin Snyder’s squad is back on track, riding on a four-game winning streak. Although Utah has the NBA’s easiest remaining schedule, tough matchups against teams like the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, and Denver Nuggets remain. As the team gears up for another postseason run, continued improvements from Mitchell and even co-star Rudy Gobert will be essential.
Donovan Mitchell is taking better quality shots and getting them to fall. He’s getting to the line more often and converting on those chances at a high rate. His playmaking is as advanced as it’s ever been. In order for the Utah Jazz to take the next step into true contender status, this needs to continue. It’s a lot to expect out of a 24-year-old but if one thing is for certain, it’s that Mitchell doesn’t back down from a challenge.
