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Utah Jazz: Three reasons for optimism, three reasons for panic after Game 1

Jared Woodcox|
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz speak to the media after the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game One of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 15, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz speak to the media after the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game One of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 15, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 15: James Goldstein shakes hands with Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game One of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 15, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 15: James Goldstein shakes hands with Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game One of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 15, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

Optimism – Donovan Mitchell thrived in rookie debut

One of the primary concerns facing the Jazz heading into this series was whether or not rookie Donovan Mitchell would be ready to take on the bright lights of the playoff stage. He had been sensational all year long, but everyone knows that the stakes and pressure rise exceedingly come postseason time. The Jazz would certainly need their leading scorer and best offensive player to be ready, but would he be able to handle the heat?

Good news – he absolutely was able to as he shined brighter than any other player on the Jazz roster.

Just like Donovan has done all season long, he defied any odds and overcame any potential playoff nerves as well as the swarming defense of the likes of Paul George and Corey Brewer to have an exceptional night. Once again, Mitchell led his Jazz team in scoring with 27 points on 11-of-22 shooting from the field and 3-of-7 (42.9 percent) from deep.

He set the tone early with nine quick points and really didn’t look back from there. There was a bit of a scary moment when he left the game with an apparent foot injury (during a critical time when Utah may have been able to close the gap, no less) but he eventually returned and refused to be sidelined with adamant protest, as you can see in the video below:

What a scene from the young rookie, who wasn’t about to let anything keep him off the floor and helping his teammates in such a critical bout. While it was obvious that the foot was causing him some discomfort, X-rays and a Monday morning MRI both came back negative, meaning Donovan Mitchell will be all set for Wednesday’s Game 2 contest.

Several media members reported that Mitchell was in high spirits and feeling well on Sunday night, so the Jazz likely dodged a bullet there.

Donovan Mitchell quieted all doubts about whether or not he was ready for the playoffs with a scintillating performance that saw him become just the fourth rookie ever to have a 27-point double-double in his playoff debut. Utah is going to need more of his heroics if they are to compete in this series, so it’s a relief to know the foot will be OK and that he’ll be in ship-shape to continue to battle moving forward.

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