It is a shame the Rookie of the Year voting takes place before the playoffs. If the voting were to take place now, Mitchell would be a lock for the award.
After his performance this series, “rookie” awards almost seem beneath Mitchell now. Like he said, he and the Jazz have much bigger goals to worry about.
The 13th overall pick in last year’s draft has become a star all season, however, his play during the playoffs can only be categorized as that of a superstar.
Donovan Mitchell with 38 points in an elimination game. We're watching the start of a superstar career. (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/ZLNhAlqTE1
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 28, 2018
Coming into the series, it appeared that OKC had the series’ best two players in George and Westbrook. After the series, we may have a debate on our hands.
My biggest concern before the series started was whether or not Mitchell and Rubio would shrink under the pressures of postseason basketball. Just the opposite happened.
Mitchell elevated his game to a new level and carried Utah’s offense at times. Just look at his first-round stats (REMINDER: This was his first ever playoff series):
Donovan Mitchell in his first NBA playoff series:
— Ben Dowsett (@Ben_Dowsett) April 28, 2018
28.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.7 TOV, 1.5 STLs, 46-36-92 splits
As the legend of the Spida continues to grow, so do Utah’s chances in the postseason.
Next: Utah Jazz: Mitchell outduels Westbrook in thriller, Jazz advance
How would you grade each Jazzman’s first-round performance? Let me know in the comments below or Tweet me @TylerDThorpe.