The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Most intriguing individual matchups series – Southwest Division

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 4: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz speaks with Derrick Favors #15 during the game against the Houston Rockets during Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2018 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 4: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz speaks with Derrick Favors #15 during the game against the Houston Rockets during Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2018 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – FEBRUARY 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the U.S. Team and Luka Doncic #77 of the World Team talk before the 2019 Mtn Dew ICE Rising Stars Game on February 15, 2019 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – FEBRUARY 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the U.S. Team and Luka Doncic #77 of the World Team talk before the 2019 Mtn Dew ICE Rising Stars Game on February 15, 2019 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic vs. Donovan Mitchell

The Dallas Mavericks are banking on their new duo of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis to be the next pairing to take them to the promised land. Prior to his ACL injury, Porzingis was considered one of the most prolific big men in the league as a do-everything ‘unicorn.’ If he can bounce back nicely, he should yet be a force for the Mavs.

But his runningmate, reigning Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic, has the potential to be even more special. He posted an amazing first season in the NBA that had many drooling over what his potential could ultimately be.

So when the Jazz and Mavs face off this season, watch for him and the Rookie of the Year runner-up from the year prior, Donovan Mitchell, to have an exhilarating individual matchup against one another. Both figure to be the offensive focal points on their respective teams and each is a phenomenal shot creator and playmaker.

In three games played against one another, Mitchell and Doncic averaged a nearly identical points per game, with Donovan coming in at 17.7 and Luka posting 17.0. Doncic was far better from the arc as he shot 50 percent while Mitchell went just 28.6 percent, but in terms if field goal efficiency, Mitchell had the edge at 48.9 percent compared to Doncic’s 42.5.

In other words, both were quite evenly matched and as both are presumed to improve this upcoming season, their head-to-head battles should only get better. Although each of their teams are in far different situations right now, both are in similar spots in their career and both boast superstar potential, meaning they’ll be a pair to watch for years to come.

Scheduled Contests:

  • 1/25 Dallas at Utah
  • 2/10 Utah at Dallas
  • 3/26 Utah at Dallas
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