Donovan Mitchell respected and shaken by the Rockets
Since the beginning of the season, Donovan Mitchell was on cloud nine, averaging 30.9 points on 51% shooting. During the match, he fell back to the ground, pulled down by Rockets defenders.
His first half was uneventful, with just 2 points on 1/7 shooting as he always found several Houston players in his path.
“Obviously, he’s one of the best scorers in the league. The reason we defended like that was to force others to do things.”, The name of Udoka is justifiedand this strategy will work, with the Rockets holding a 17-point lead at halftime.
In the second half, Donovan Mitchell will answer with 19 points, but this will not be not enough to shoot down the rockets. The Cavaliers guard finished with just 21 points on 8/17 shooting and 4 turnovers. Bad play for him, therefore good for his opponent.
He embarrassed himself half before the adjustment
“With the defense, we see players that I’ve coached, worked with or respect. Sometimes it pays off. It’s a gamble to make others prove they can score. But to hold him to 21 points while he’s 30 points and has big games, we’re taking a risk.”rejoices the coach of the Texans.
Deprived of the ball because he was forced to let it go, caught in two positions, the former Jazzer was deprived of a solution, and thus of a shot. “I knew he was going to prepare something without knowing exactly”, confides. “It’s a sign of respect. They know who I am, I’m a threat and that’s the ultimate sign of respect from a coach.”
So, would Ime Udoka and his troops find a way to limit Donovan Mitchell, at least in the first period?
“It was unique, different. I don’t think all teams have the players and the size to do it. It took us a little time to adjust and when the adjustment was made, we found a solution and that’s the main thing.” replied the All-Star, while Cleveland was indeed not far from turning the match.
| Donovan Mitchell | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | The team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | That | Pd | Ft | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2017-18 | UTA | 79 | 33:24 | 43.7 | 34.0 | 80.5 | 0.7 | 3.1 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 2.7 | 1.5 | 2.7 | 0.3 | 20.5 |
| 2018-19 | UTA | 77 | 33:44 | 43.2 | 36.2 | 80.6 | 0.8 | 3.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 2.7 | 1.4 | 2.8 | 0.4 | 23.8 |
| 2019-20 | UTA | 69 | 34:16 | 44.9 | 36.6 | 86.3 | 0.8 | 3.6 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 2.7 | 0.2 | 24.0 |
| 2020-21 | UTA | 53 | 33:25 | 43.8 | 38.6 | 84.5 | 0.9 | 3.5 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 2.8 | 0.3 | 26.4 |
| 2021-22 | UTA | 67 | 33:49 | 44.8 | 35.5 | 85.3 | 0.8 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 5.3 | 2.4 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 0.2 | 25.9 |
| 2022-23 | CLE | 68 | 35:46 | 48.4 | 38.6 | 86.7 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 0.4 | 28.3 |
| 2023-24 | CLE | 55 | 35:19 | 46.2 | 36.8 | 86.5 | 0.8 | 4.3 | 5.1 | 6.1 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 2.8 | 0.5 | 26.6 |
| 2024-25 | CLE | 71 | 31:26 | 44.3 | 36.8 | 82.3 | 0.8 | 3.7 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 24.0 |
| 2025-26 | CLE | 14 | 34:04 | 50.7 | 38.5 | 82.8 | 0.7 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 2.3 | 1.5 | 3.3 | 0.4 | 30.2 |
How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.
2025-11-20 12:51:00
