The Utah Jazz are one of the best teams in the NBA right now and part of that is because Donovan Mitchell has been so incredible this season.
He’s been an elite scorer for Utah, racking up 24 points per game along with 5.1 assists while shooting a career-high 41.9% from deep. He has been excellent all year long.
But, if you listen to Shaq, there’s a bit of extra motivation behind it.
During Tuesday night’s NBA on TNT broadcast where Mitchell’s Jazz played the Boston Celtics and the Jazz guard dominated, Shaq made sure to point out that Mitchell has been playing extremely well since their awkward interview from a few weeks back.
Shaq on Donovan Mitchell "I never hate, I just try to give constructive criticism. My whole career I've been a leader and motivate my players a certain way. So, you're welcome Utah." pic.twitter.com/0BKUZ07EXa
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) February 10, 2021
“I never hate, I just try to give constructive criticism. My whole career I’ve been a leader and motivate my players a certain way. So, you’re welcome, Utah.”
I guess Shaq is saying that he was trying to motivate Mitchell by telling him that he didn’t think he was that good? Which, alright. Sure.
Regardless, though, Shaq doesn’t deserve any of the credit here for the way Mitchell is playing. He’s literally been this good all season long. In fact, since their awkward interview, Mitchell’s shooting has dipped down a tick while his assists have been on the rise.
Overall, though, still pretty spectacular.
Donovan Mitchell before the Shaq interview: 24.3 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.9 RPG. 44/41/85 shooting line.
Mitchell after Shaq interview: 23.5 PPG, 5.4 APG, 4.6 RPG. 42/44/82 shooting line.
Shaq doesn’t get credit for motivating anyone here. Donovan Mitchell has been that dude all year.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) February 10, 2021
So, nah. This isn’t Shaq’s doing. Donovan Mitchell is just that good. That’s all there is to it.
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