The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Three things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 5: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrates on the bench during the game against the Toronto Raptors on November 5, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 5: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrates on the bench during the game against the Toronto Raptors on November 5, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 17: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 17, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 17: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 17, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

#1 – Donovan Mitchell

Of all things to be grateful for as a Utah Jazz fan, this one is perhaps at the top of the list. Donovan Mitchell is an absolute stud, and the Jazz are so lucky to have him. While Utah’s recent loss to the Sacramento Kings was frustrating, Mitchell’s play was exhilarating as he dropped 35 points on 56.5 percent shooting from the field and 44.4 percent from deep, both excellent marks.

And despite the disappointing loss, you had to absolutely love Mitchell’s fighting spirit. He almost single-handedly willed the Jazz back into the game, and his prolific offensive repertoire and never-say-die determination was a thrill to see. Although he’s gotten off to a less than efficient start this season, it’s still evident that Mitchell is a fantastic talent, and the future of the Jazz moving forward.

Don’t get discouraged by some early struggles and lose sight of the forest through the trees, Jazz fans. Teams would kill for a talent like Donovan Mitchell, but instead he’s all ours. As he continues to improve in his second season by bettering his shooting touch and shot selection, he’ll only continue to be more of a force to be reckoned with. Furthermore, at a whopping 21.6 points per game on the season, there’s simply no questioning how vital he is to this Jazz squad. I’m beyond thankful to have him.

Not only all that, but let’s step away from the game of basketball for a moment. What truly makes Donovan special isn’t just his incredible talent on the floor, but who he is as a person. He’s embraced the Salt Lake community, is constantly giving back and spending time to support his fans and do good among them. It would be an absolute shame if Jazz fans took that for granted.

Mitchell loves Utah, and he deserves nothing but love and gratitude from the fans, even if it’s during an individual or collective slump. The Jazz wouldn’t even be relevant if it weren’t for Donovan, and I’m confident he’ll help get this team back on track sooner than later.

If that’s not something to be grateful for, I’m not sure what is.

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