Donovan Mitchell hasn’t stopped thinking about the Utah Jazz blowing a 3-1 lead to Denver in last season’s playoffs.
Even as allergies woke him up every hour a night before the Jazz played with another 3-1 series advantage against the Memphis Grizzlies, Mitchell focused on starting fast and finishing strong.
Mtichell scored 26 of his 30 points in the first half and the Jazz advanced to the second round of the playoffs, beating the Grizzlies 126-110 on Wednesday night in Game 5.
“I think setting the tone was huge. We did that as unit on both ends of the floor and understanding that you can’t give a team like that life,” Mitchell said about Utah’s quick start.
Mitchell also had 10 assists and six rebounds in 29 minutes, getting a little rest before facing the winner of the Los Angeles Clippers-Dallas Mavericks matchup.
