‘How Donovan Goes, We Go’ Says Snyder After Disappointing Game By Mitchell
Apr 24, 2019, 9:05 PM | Updated: 10:11 pm
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz shoots the ball defended by Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets in the first half during Game Five of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center on April 24, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, Texas – After a remarkable performance against the Houston Rockets in Game 4, Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell had a forgettable game in a season-ending loss in Game 5.
The second year guard had just 12 points on 4-for-22 shooting. He also went 0-for-9 from beyond the arc in Utah’s 100-93 loss to the Rockets.
Overall it was an up and down series for Mitchell. He also took his lumps in the first two games of the series, scoring 19 points in Utah’s 32-point loss in Game 1 and then just 11 in the 20-point loss in Game 2.
Could have possibly been Mitchell’s worst game of his career. But like Korver said, this is only the beginning for Donovan. The season might be over, but the future has never been brighter for Utah. #TeamIsEverything #TakeNote
— Tyson Ewing (@tyewing2) April 25, 2019
He played an improved Game 3, finishing with 34 points, but Utah still lost 104-101 to fall into an insurmountable 0-3 hole.
Game 4 was by far his best game of the series as Mitchell dropped 31 points on a series-best 42.3 percent shooting. His fourth quarter in Game 4 was especially impressive as he scored 19 points to will Utah to its lone win of the series.
Snyder Speaks On Donovan
“He had a tough night statistically, as did we,” said Jazz head coach Quin Snyder after the game. “In a lot of ways, how Donovan goes, we go. And that, I won’t call it a burden, it’s a responsibility that I think he’s shown time and time again and even for a young to understand that and to rise to the challenge, he’s not always going to have great nights.”
Snyder continued his comments, saying that Mitchell’s approach to constant improvement has made him a pleasure to coach. He also said that he hopes that Mitchell can channel the adversity into getting better as he has with previous disappointment.
Quin Snyder expresses how much he enjoys coaching Donovan Mitchell.#NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/WDp2bHyy8b
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 25, 2019
“I’m proud of him, that he competes the way he does,” said Snyder. “And there will be good nights and bad nights and everything in between but he’s had a terrific season.”
With the loss to Houston on Wednesday, the Jazz have been eliminated from the playoffs. Houston will advance to face the winner of the series between the Golden State Warriors and the LA Clippers.
