Vernon Maxwell fires Christmas shot at Jazz after Donovan Mitchell explosion

The Utah Jazz didn't play on Christmas, and there's no telling when their next Christmas game is. However, multiple Jazz alumni were featured on the NBA's Christmas Day slate, including Donovan Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson. Mitchell's magic was almost enough to give Cleveland the win, but regardless, Jazz enemy Vernon Maxwell used Mitchell's performance to fire a shot at the Jazz.

After the Cavaliers-Knicks game wrapped, Maxwell used Mitchell's performance to compare playing in Utah to being in prison. At the same time, it's not like Maxwell had exactly glowing things to say about Cleveland.

This can anger Jazz fans, but at this point, they can't be surprised when Maxwell finds any excuse he can to bash/mock the Jazz, their fanbase, or the state of Utah, he will take it without hesitation. Because of how predictable all of it is, fans at this point shouldn't be offended if they know that it's coming.

Mitchell has improved, but hasn't accomplished more in Cleveland

Mitchell had a beastly performance for the Cavaliers, putting up 34 points on 12-for-25 shooting from the field to go with seven rebounds, six assists, four steals, and four three-pointers. Not to mention, he had quite the dunk and ridiculous three in the game's closing seconds.

The loss to the Knicks puts the Cavaliers at 17-15, a major dropoff from last season, where they looked like the team of destiny until the actual team of destiny, Indiana, thwarted their plans. None of the Cavaliers' problems have been on Mitchell. In fact, he's putting up his best numbers as a pro this season.

And yet, it hasn't mattered in the slightest, as Cleveland is in the midst of its worst start in the Mitchell era by far. One can argue that Maxwell's comparison is technically sound, that becoming a Cavalier has been better for him in terms of individual accomplishments. However, from a team perspective, not only have things remained the same with Mitchell since changing teams, but they are arguably worse for him in Cleveland.

It was the right move for Utah to move him, even if the Jazz haven't reaped the rewards from the trade exactly. At least, not three years after the deal was struck. However, things are starting to look quite bleak in Cleveland, so it may not be long before Utah starts cashing in big time from the Mitchell deal.

It's not his fault that things have went south for the Cavaliers, but because things have gone in the direction they have, the Jazz are in prime position to benefit from what the Cavaliers gave them. Much to Vernon Maxwell's chagrin, we're sure.