The No. 1 seed Utah Jazz are fresh off a Game 2 win against the Los Angeles Clippers, and leading the way is star guard Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell poured in 37 points in Game 2 after scoring 45 in Game 1. The points in bunches against a strong Clippers defense come after Mitchell averaged 28.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists against the gritty Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.
If Mitchell keeps playing like this, Utah has a legit chance at making it to the NBA Finals. And the way the 24-year-old guard is performing in clutch moments is reminding people of a young Dwyane Wade.
In the 2006 NBA playoffs, a 24-year-old Wade ushered the Miami Heat to a championship with major outings in every series.
In the 23 games Wade played during that playoff run, he averaged 28.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists.
Mitchell missed Game 1 against the Grizzlies, but throughout his six playoff games this postseason, he’s putting up 32.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
The major difference is Mitchell is producing points from the perimeter, making 41.9 percent of his 3-pointers on 10.3 attempts a game. Wade shot 37.8 percent from deep in 2006, but he only attempted 1.6 a game since the 3-point shot wasn’t as vital during that time.
Still, these statistics are eerily similar, and LeBron James tweeted it’s possible Mitchell can lead his team to glory just like Wade did:
Very possible! Looking as much so far. That kid can flat out GO!!!!!! TOUGH!!!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 11, 2021
If Utah advances against the Clippers, it would have to face either the Phoenix Suns or Denver Nuggets. The Suns have a 2-0 series lead.
In the Eastern Conference, the Brooklyn Nets have a 2-1 lead over the Milwaukee Bucks. The Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks are tied, 1-1.
Mitchell still has tough opponents in his way, but it’s definitely possible with the way Utah can play any given night.
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