Mitchell Credits Teammates For Encouragement In Comeback Performance
Apr 23, 2019, 12:47 AM | Updated: 12:49 am
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts to his three point basket in the second half of Game Four during the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 22, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – In the Utah Jazz’s Game 4 victory over the Houston Rockets, Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell was remarkable, scoring 19 points in the fourth quarter to boost Utah to a win.
Mitchell scored 31 points total in the game to keep the Jazz’s season alive after they came into the game facing possible elimination.
It was a major bounce-back game for Mitchell, who had a chance to tie the game in Game 4. Unfortunately for the Jazz, his 3-point attempt with eight seconds remaining in the game clanked off the rim and sealed the victory for Houston.
"It's not always going to be perfect, but to have teammates who have your back through the ups and downs means the world."#TeamIsEverything | #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/gAizHSQgCM
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 23, 2019
After that game on Saturday, his teammate Kyle Korver asked for a moment to speak about Mitchell, praising the young star for his leadership and accountability after a difficult moment.
“He missed a tough shot tonight, but that’s just going to be part of his story,” Korver said.
After his performance in the fourth quarter in Monday’s win, Mitchell’s story became one of legend.
Mitchell Credits His Support System
In the postgame media availability, Mitchell was asked what it meant to receive the encouragement he got after Game 3, not only from Korver, but other teammates as well going into Game 4.
In typical Donovan-fashion, Mitchell’s answer was filled with humility.
“I’ve played with a lot of close friends and the support I’ve gotten since I arrived, not just from the community, but my teammates, has been huge,” said Mitchell.
He continued to acknowledge that while his extreme level of success in his first two years in the league is somewhat rare, Mitchell credits his teammates for keeping his head in the right place.
#PerformanceLeader | @Lexus 📊 pic.twitter.com/GACfiP4KeT
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 23, 2019
“My teammates have had my back through every mistake, everything I’ve done well. I think when you have that support system, not just my teammates, but coaches in the organization, when you have that support system in the locker room every day, it makes it easier,” said Mitchell.
Seated next to Rudy Gobert, Jae Crowder and Derrick Favors on the elevated podium in the interview room, Mitchell proceeded to go down the line and praise each teammate for their verbal and non-verbal leadership.
Speaking on Korver in particular, Mitchell explained that he’s asked the veteran sharpshooter “a thousand questions.”
“I have some many resources I can go to,” said Mitchell. “As a player who wants to learn, I’m trying my best to find ways to win. It’s not always going to be perfect but to have your teammates have your back through the ups and downs, it means the world.”
