2 studs and 1 dud from Utah Jazz win over Mavericks

Utah Jazz stud: Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell looked like the best player on the floor last night. That’s particularly noteworthy given that Luka Doncic was in this contest.

Perhaps the discrepancy in each man’s efficiency can be attributed to Dwight Powell’s inability to switch on Mitchell. Actually, scratch that. There was nobody that could contain Spida in last night’s contest.

Mitchell had 33 points on 11/19 shooting from the field to go with 5 assists. This game typified Mitchell’s best qualities. He was selective, attacking when he obviously had an opening, and deferring to teammates when faced with enough defensive pressure.

Earlier in the season, we’d speculated that Mitchell ought to function as a point guard for the Jazz. Last night, he reminded us that such designations are arbitrary. Mitchell is a lead guard, full stop. Whether “point” or “shooting” prefaces “guard” is irrelevant.

His performance spoke to his ever-increasing basketball IQ. It reminded Utah Jazz fans why they need to make a deep postseason run this year. It’s not just about the short-term benefits. They’re pitching one of the best guards in franchise history on making a home in Salt Lake City.

If the Jazz keep picking up quality wins, he just might. Mitchell is probably out of the running for MVP consideration in 2021-22.

Consider this a bet that he’d prefer to add a Finals MVP trophy to his resume anyway.