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Utah Jazz: Top 10 moments from 2017-18 NBA season

By Simon Smith

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

2. 40-point encore from Donovan Mitchell

Granted, the Phoenix Suns finished this past season with the worst record in the league, and the Jazz destroyed them in this Feb. 2 game, 129-97.

However, this shouldn’t downplay the significance of Mitchell’s performance. In just 33 minutes of action, the rook scored 40 points on an incredible 14-of-19 shooting from the field, including a sizzling 7-of-9 from 3-point range. In addition, Mitchell added six assists, five rebounds and two steals, and was a +36 while on the floor.

Following up from his 41-point game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the ensuing graphic illustrates just where Mitchell’s accomplishments sit from a historical standpoint:

After the game, Mitchell commented on how he was able to compile such an efficient performance:

"“Just making the right plays, understanding that the last time we played these guys we had 24 turnovers as a team, so I think when we came in with that mindset of taking care of the ball and just focusing on the defensive end, I think that allowed us to get out in transition, find open looks….to be honest with you, I don’t even know I had 40.”"

Furthermore, Mitchell etched out a unique accomplishment, becoming the only rookie in NBA history to have recorded 40 points on just 19 field goal attempts while hitting seven triples and dishing out six assists.

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Considering what he accomplished as a rookie, it’s crazy to imagine what Mitchell can accomplish in the years to come.

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