Donovan Mitchell backs up NBA All-Star young Jazz guard

After Cleveland The Cavaliers lost 123-112 on Monday night, Donovan Mitchell did his best to campaign for Utah Jazz guard Keionte George as a first-time NBA All-Star. It was an impressive night for the 22-year-old on the road against the Cavs, as George poured in 32 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the field, making four of his eight attempts from deep and 12-of-12 from the free throw line. He also dished out nine assists, grabbed five rebounds and a steal in his 34 minutes.

“They came in there and just outplayed us. It started with Keyonta George, who deserves to be an All-Star,” Mitchell said after the game. “A young man that I know personally, and I’m excited to see his progress just from last year to this year. The coach he’s working with is a close friend of mine, so it’s amazing to see them continue to take that step. I’m happy for them.”

George is averaging an impressive 23.8 points, 6.9 assists, 4.2 rebounds and one steal per game on .454/.372/.906 shooting in over 34 minutes a night. After their biggest loss of the season, the Jazz bounced back and began a five-game road trip with an impressive win over the talented but inconsistent Cavs. As Mitchell stated, the third year guard was all over the floor and a big reason why Utah responded to the Charlotte Hornets’ blowout at home with 55 points.

Jazz coach Will Hardy was impressed with George’s 25-point second half, which began with a 16-point third quarter and culminated with a clutch shot in the final frame. The journalist asked Fr similarities between George and Mitchellwho made his first All-Star game in his third year.

“His ability to create offense for us continues to show for us, especially when the game slows down,” Hardy said after the game. “Keyonte is having a great season. Donovan is a great player. I have so much respect for him, the way he’s carried himself throughout his career. The way he plays, I think, he’s spectacular. But Keyonte is running his own race, and I think that’s got to be Keyonte’s focus.

“I realize our league is full of comparisons, and it’s on other people. The fans can do those things if they want to, and the media can do those things if they want to. But I hope, for us, we stay focused as a group and individually on what we have to do to continue to get better. I think there’s a little bit where that can make Keyonte feel good, but I want Keyonte to feel good at the same time, because I want Keyonte to feel good at the same time. Let’s stay focused to be Keionte.”

We’ll see if history repeats itself in Salt Lake City. Regardless, George has a fan in Mitchell and plenty of support from the Jazz as he continues to grow.