The J-Notes
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Three things Utah Jazz fans need to see from their team in regular season opener

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 16: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a play during a preseason game Portland Trail Blazers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 16, 2019 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 16: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a play during a preseason game Portland Trail Blazers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 16, 2019 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during a preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 16, 2019 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during a preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 16, 2019 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Donovan Mitchell continued excellence

I already mentioned that Donovan Mitchell was a bright point on defense for the Jazz in preseason. But that wasn’t all he did well. In fact, Mitchell was a standout for the Jazz in nearly every way imaginable from top to bottom.

Per 36 minutes, Mitchell averaged 25.5 points on 48.1 percent shooting from the field and 36..8 percent from deep, while adding 5.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He was dynamic as a passer and shot creator as he continued to be the key cog in Utah’s offensive attack. As Mitchell continues to make better decisions and grow accustomed to the many offensive weapons he has around him, he could very well be in for a breakout year.

And what better way to get a breakout started than with game one? Though the Thunder look much different than they did two years ago, Mitchell has experience with stopping them dead in their tracks as he did in the 2018 NBA Playoffs. If he can continue his excellence from preseason and continue to expand from there, it should be a great game and a great season for the rising star.

As important as Gobert is on defense, Mitchell may very well be equally important on offense. And if he can improve in both decision making and efficiency from a year ago, he could come extremely close to unlocking his full potential.

And in so doing, he would likely unlock his team’s full potential at the same time.

Game Thread: Utah Jazz open the 2019-20 campaign against CP3, OKC. dark. Next

The Utah Jazz didn’t give their fans much to be encouraged by in preseason. However, the rehearsals are over and the games that count are finally upon us. As such, if Utah can begin or continue to show each of these three items mentioned, not only will it likely lead to a season-opening win, but it will be an encouraging sign of bright things on the horizon.

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