The J-Notes
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Three reasons to be excited about the Utah Jazz again

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 25: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz gets introduced before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 25, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 25: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz gets introduced before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 25, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Donovan Mitchell and Rodney Hood are coming up big

Coming into the season, there were high hopes for both Jazz returner Rodney Hood and Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell. Many felt that Hood would take over as the go-to guy for Utah whereas Mitchell could be a dark horse candidate for Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately, though, early in the year Hood struggled to find any semblance of consistency and Mitchell couldn’t find his shot. There were immediately concerns that neither would end up living up to their illustrious expectations.

However, of late both have started to turn it around in a big way. With Hood being moved to the bench and Mitchell inserted into the starting lineup, they’ve both been able to click and help the Jazz find success. Over the course of the last four games, Hood is putting up 21 points per game on 45.7 percent shooting from the field and 41.2 percent from deep.

Meanwhile, during that same stretch, Mitchell’s scoring is down slightly, but his deep-ball efficiency is up to 41.7 percent and he’s enjoying an uptick in assists and a reduction in turnovers. In other words, his decision making is improving and he’s quickly becoming an even more important piece of Utah’s roster. He’s helping the Jazz win with clutch shots, great passes and by bringing energy and focus to each and every game.

Could both of them experience another downswing (or more) at some point during the season? Of course. But the fact of the matter is that Hood has appeared to accept his role off the bench and is thriving in it while Donovan Mitchell is clearly turning into an apparent star. The two have looked good of late and if they can minimize their lows and increase their consistency, they could very well become an absolute powerhouse of a backcourt duo for the Jazz.

And that’s enormous reason for excitement. Hood and Mitchell have made the Jazz fun again recently and if they continue with their hot shooting and electric play, they could very well do so throughout the year.

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