The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Three (over?)reactions from season-opening victory vs. OKC

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 23: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a free throw during an opening night game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 23, 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 23: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a free throw during an opening night game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 23, 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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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 23, 2019 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 23, 2019 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Donovan Mitchell is on the path to super-stardom

We’ve known for a while that Donovan Mitchell is a star on the rise. He proved as much as a rookie in leading the Jazz to a playoff series victory over the favored Oklahoma City Thunder. But between struggles with efficiency and making the right reads, he’s had a hard time putting everything together to make the turn from star to superstar.

But if Wednesday’s season opener is any indication, he’s going to be headed well on that path this season.

Mitchell was far and above the best player on the floor with exhilarating moves, stifling defense and incredible decision making. He played in control and with aggression. He exploded in the fourth quarter to guide Utah to a victory. He was everything the Jazz needed.

Yes, it was just one game, but it felt like an early indication of what Mitchell is destined to become this season. There has been a lot made about his ability to take a major leap in year three, and based on what we saw against OKC in the season opener, he appears firmly on that road.

Mitchell finished the game with 32 points on 63.6 percent shooting from the field to go along with a career-high 12 rebounds. Those boards were a sign of his aggressiveness and that incredible shooting percentage was indicative of how smart and smooth he played.

In short, it was a brilliant debut from Mitchell who has long been the Jazz’s star and may just transform into one of the league’s superstars this season.

Next. Utah Jazz: Donovan Mitchell gives All-Star effort in season opener. dark

We won’t have to wait long to see if these reactions will continue to hold true moving forward as the Jazz play game two on Friday in Los Angeles in a nationally televised game on ESPN that tips off at 8:30 PM MT.

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