Utah Jazz Guard Donovan Mitchell Scores 17 Efficient Points In Scrimmage Against Phoenix Suns

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell efficiently scored 17 points to lead Utah in a 101-88 loss to the Phoenix Suns in the franchise’s opening scrimmage of the 2019-20 season restart.

Mitchell and the Jazz took on the Suns in the first of three scrimmages prior to the league’s restart and eight seeding game at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Florida.

The third-year guard led the Jazz with 17 points on 5-8 from the field, including 3-4 from deep. He was also a perfect 4-4 from the charity stripe. Mitchell added 1 rebound, 4 assists, 1 steal, and a block.

He recorded the second-best plus-minus by a Jazz player with an even rating in 21 minutes on the court. He only turned the ball over one time.

“Throughout training camp practice, you know, we’ve all been on the same page,” Mitchell said postgame. “For me, it was just a comfort thing to be able to knock down shots. It’s easy when you make your first two.”

Spida with 17 points & 3 triples 🕷#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/Hsa4UUJG4k

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) July 24, 2020

Utah struggled to find its rhythm early in the contest and fell behind in the opening quarter of action. The Jazz cut into the Suns lead multiple times including during the second half but were never able to take control of the scoreboard.

After the early shooting woes, Utah recovered and ended up shooting 50.8 percent on field goals compared to 51.4 percent by Phoenix.

The bright spot for the Jazz came from behind the arc, where the team shot 41.7 percent.

In addition to Mitchell’s total, Jazz guard Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson combined for 26 points.

back-to-back buckets for the HORSE champ#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/7LWMqvBLep

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) July 24, 2020

Conley started slow but ended up with 12 points on 4-8 shooting. He added 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and a steal in 20 minutes.

Clarkson came off the bench and sparked Utah’s offense with 14 points. He also pulled down five boards.

JC: 3️⃣#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/ofBvt6Fhe4

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) July 24, 2020

Utah center Rudy Gobert had a quiet night on offense but recorded 5 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals in 21 minutes.

Jazz head coach Quin Snyder didn’t play his starters late in the game and Utah’s fourth quarter lineup consisted of players who saw little action during the 64 regular season games that the team played before the coronavirus pandemic halted the NBA season in March.

40 minutes of basketball makes any day better pic.twitter.com/GhAfbjSMvf

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) July 24, 2020

Utah’s next scrimmage is against the Miami Heat on Saturday, July 25 at 2 p.m. (MDT). The game will broadcast on tape delay at 7 p.m. (MDT) on AT&T SportsNet and League Pass.