Recent MVP traits of Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell: Leading by example
Without Donovan Mitchell’s ideal mix of unselfishness and load-shouldering in his starring role — not exactly an easy combination to find in the NBA — there’s just no way the Utah Jazz would’ve remained No. 1 in the league for this long past the All-Star break.
Most recently, without his like-clockwork infusion of energy out of the gates at tipoff and coming out of halftime — not to mention in crunch time — there’s just no doubt the squad would’ve lost in a rout to both the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns in its road trip this week. Instead, with Mitchell running the show, Utah has exhibited admirable resolve in spite of the brief losing streak.
Speaking of losing streaks, without Mitchell, there’s just no telling if the Jazz would’ve been able to bounce back from Wednesday’s overtime loss in Phoenix with Thursday’s 122-103 home win over the now-dangerously healthy Portland Trail Blazers.
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Yet by routinely activating full “Don Mode” this week, especially evident toward the end via his 78 points in a 26-hour span, Donovan Mitchell ensured the team was able to survive the brutal schedule with its pride and “top spot” standing intact (lead over the Suns is back to 2.5 games after Phoenix’s loss at the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night)…