Cards in the NBA: 2018 Playoffs are Here
By Jacob Lane
Donovan Mitchell – G – Utah Jazz
Season statistics: 79 games played (71 games started), 20.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.5 spg
Playoff matchup: (#4) Oklahoma City Thunder
"Game 1 at Oklahoma City: Sun. April 15, 6:30 p.m. | TNT Game 2 at Oklahoma City: Wed. April 18, 8 p.m. | NBA TV Game 3 at Utah: Sat. April 21, 10 p.m. | ESPN Game 4 at Utah: Mon. April 23, 10:30 p.m. | TNT Game 5 at Oklahoma City (if necessary): Wed. April 25 | TBD Game 6 at Utah (if necessary): Fri. April 27 | TBD Game 7 at Oklahoma City (if necessary): Sun. April 29 | TBD"
There hasn’t been a hotter team in the NBA since the All-Star break since the Utah Jazz. The biggest reason behind that? Donovan Mitchell.
No one expected the Utah Jazz to make the playoffs in their first season without star Gordon Hayward. But because of the play of potential rookie of the year Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz are in and have a shot to advance.
While he may not win rookie of the year, thanks to redshirt rookie Ben Simmons, nothing will take away from the incredible season Mitchell has had. He’s been the primary option on his team, having to score 20+ a night for them to even have a chance. Along the way he’s broken the rookie 3-point record, the rookie scoring record for the Jazz, and become the first player to lead his team in scoring & make the playoffs since Carmelo Anthony.
Wow.
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/984220531527319552
The Jazz will have their hands full in the first round with an Oklahoma City Thunder team that has the NBA’s first ever player to average a triple-double in consecutive seasons, superstar Paul George, as well as Carmelo Anthony.
The Thunder have been the most inconsistent team in the NBA this season, but their talent and experience alone is a big reason not to count them out.
I’m worried the NBA rookie of the year talk might be a distraction to this Jazz team, but every time they’ve been doubted this season, they’ve proved people wrong.
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder (4-3)
Next: What to Watch For: Louisville Spring Game
Terry Rozier and the Boston Celtics will get the playoffs started for the Cardinals in the NBA on Sunday at 1:00 on TNT.