Donovan Mitchell makes the Jazz offense nearly unstoppable

Does Donovan Mitchell have another offensive gear in the playoffs? He's been transcendent in the last 2 NBA playoffs, but that's over a small sample. This detailed film room study of Mitchell and the Jazz offense explains why Utah is good -- leading the league in offensive efficiency -- and how Mitchell takes them to another level next to Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson and more. for Coach Quinn Snyder.
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Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by csus (instrumental)
#ThinkingBasketball

[@joejonas3584]

Bro, Donovan Mitchell is so underrated. When talking about the future, they're always bringing up Luca, Ja, or Lamello. I barely heard anyone talk about Donovan even tho he's been balling in the playoffs so consistently.

[@Fatima-hl2qg]

THIS!

[@AnimalBlundetto]

@@Fatima-hl2qg Sthu fattie

[@simonanderson4858]

Especially Devin Booker

[@ericisom5661]

Baring injury donovan will be an all timer in multiple stats

[@Fatima-hl2qg]

@@AnimalBlundetto who are u bra

[@NoRealRsn]

That’s series of Mitchell and Murray going at eatch others necks for 40 each night was the most fun series I’ve seen. Sad that it wasn’t later in the playoffs and will be forgotten soon by most people

[@ciaojay7025]

That's a classic match up. People will remember it. Murray and Donovan are on fire in that series

[@uuh4yj43]

dude scored 50 twice that series with a 57!!!!!!! point performance, man is underrated af

[@xavierpena3339]

Don’t ever disrespect Spida like that Spida burned Murray in stats it was more like Spida vs Jokic and! Murray!!!!!!!!!!

[@uuh4yj43]

@@xavierpena3339 murray was incredible that series too lets not trip, he averaged over 30ppg on 65% eFG

[@riveenwickenham8392]

most crazy series ive ever watched, so many 50 pt games in one series

[@kickin477]

You have to marvel at how much Donovan Mitchell has improved. I think on of the earliest on the Thinking basketball KZbin channel was Ben breaking down Mitchell’s game and towards the end saying he didn’t think Mitchell would ever become a true all star. It’s always great to see young players exceed and improve beyond expectations

[@aldenbuckets6730]

I’ve watched about 300 Jazz games since Donovan very first game and it’s incredible to watch how much he grows in every version of the hame

[@gurjassinghbatra5758]

I was very sad the whole week, but can't describe how much a video by you on my favourite player helps in distracting me. I know that isn't the primary purpose of your videos, but they do have that effect. Bless you, Ben!

[@mysterymaster180]

I hope you cheer up man. I hate how life can get us down sometimes.

[@ThinkingBasketball]

Happy to hear it - I hope it's the primary purpose.

[@zachattack3858]

Also my favorite player

[@watchmyshoes22]

@@ThinkingBasketball PLEASE consider doing an episode on how one of the shortest players in hisory managed to be one of the best scorers of all time in isaiah thomas! I've always wondered this I believe you'd make an amazing analysis!

[@aldenbuckets6730]

It’s crazy to think that Gobert and Donovan are the best pick and roll duo statistically and they do it the most often

[@SidelineSteve]

Where do u find that data

[@PNL1992]

@@SidelineSteve typically second synergy

[@sed1589]

Best pick and roll duo in Utah history.

[@SidelineSteve]

@@PNL1992 Thanks fam

[@simonanderson4858]

And that they play for the Utah Jazz

[@marco5030]

Mitchell-in star dishes is one of the better puns I've heard in a while.

[@samuelyuan291]

A nice new perspective considering the many other negative opinions on the Jazz's potential in the playoffs. I feel like most people have written them off, honestly myself included, simply because of their previous "failures" to go far and the lack of SUPERstar power compared to the other West playoff teams.

[@imthesnakeking]

I understand why people write them off, smaller market with a history of postseason disappointment, but the Jazz are a seriously good team. Mitchell has been great in the regular season, but it seems like he can kick it into a whole other gear in the playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised to see them be a first round exit, or to go to the finals.

[@me-qh7bx]

They just had a blowout failure last night versus a play-in team, so I’m not surprised people are writing them off.

[@CrisKRA]

@@me-qh7bx To be fair, the Pels also won against the Suns by 15 last week and on Sunday the Jazz beat the Suns too. One game is not a good indicator, every team has bad losses during the season

[@CrisKRA]

@@me-qh7bx But if I'm honest, if the standings in the West remain the same until the season end, I'm not that confident in them beating the Mavs, much less the Grizzlies Warriors and Suns

[@theretrosavage]

Mitchell is clearly a superstar caliber player...

[@rishiiyer7264]

All the clips of Donovan in this video are uncannily similar to how a younger Dwyane Wade used to play on those early Heat teams. The super low body stance, the herky jerky changes in direction, the slaloming and euro-stepping through defenders, splitting traps in the P&R, and the elite finishing ability at the rim for undersized 2 guards. Incredible.

[@arp_909]

Donovan’s scoring has always been impressive but this season he has taken a leap with his playmaking and his defense. Look at his assist and steals numbers, both trending up

[@sophiawilliams8650]

please never use assists to quantify playmaking ever again

[@PuchuKt]

@@sophiawilliams8650 while I understand that it's bad to use assist to measure playmaking, are you just gonna ignore that he used steals to measure defense? Allen Iverson once led the league on steals, ALLEN IVERSON

[@sophiawilliams8650]

@@PuchuKt it’s harder to measure defense than playmaking so it’s forgivable imo

[@arp_909]

Wow.

[@davidebaso6994]

I'm sorry but Mitchell is a terrible defender, steals alone mean nothing

[@jordanmackay6746]

As a jazz fan i agree with everything you said. A healthy mitchell with a healthy team is gonna be hard to stop.

[@flibbidyx2]

The crazy thing is, he played last postseason on basically one ankle. There are some questions about the team, but they are very tough to beat when he is on his game.

[@thatdude5983]

When he's hot no defense could stop him. The last two playoffs showed that

[@randomperson2540]

Dmitch has really improved on his attacking part of his playmaking it’s like it’s second nature for him, which wasn’t the case in previous seasons and improves in the playoffs. If he can learn how to run an offense without attacking or can improve his attacking with pick roll or even better off ball movement. I won’t be surprised if we start calling him an elite playmaker like dame kinda the same road he was taking and in general the games are similar

[@BlueGrovyle]

Mitchell's probably my favorite player (aside from Kawhi who's injured). Thanks for the video.

[@nolimitzambo]

Kawhi KD and Donovan are 3 of the best playoff performers out there, you gotta make sure to tune in and watch them go ballistic year after year

[@PaulyMall]

As a cavs fan this freaking pumps me up

[@crazysolja1]

This dude is so underrated now

[@knep24]

Most underrated player in the NBA

[@bradensmith8170]

Besides Rudy

[@santiproductions9318]

he’s an all star tho, i wouldn’t consider that underrated unless you think he’s a superstar level talent. he’s not.

[@karaseirin]

My favorite player in the league, always good to see him being praised

[@coledorillo6685]

Just here to say thanks for basketball pulling me I’m already caught up on all your videos but I started binging your podcasts. On episode 40 and I’ve been enlightened

[@BenzoBlick]

I was literally having a conversation about Donovan Mitchell 2 days ago. I was saying how underrated he is. No one ever talks about him in the “top guards of the NBA” conversation. Even in the all star game where LeBron said no one went the jazz in NBA jam.

[@rasinchoudhury651]

Loved the highlights of his passing, supports Tjarks' argument that Mitchell should be the 1 going forward so Utah can size themselves up on the perimeter and help Gobert out on defense

[@aldenbuckets6730]

Conley exists tho

[@ciaojay7025]

@@aldenbuckets6730 that's why they should trade conley for a wing. Conley served as a training wheels for Donovan as he develops his playmaking.

[@damedolla2596]

a video on jayson tatum would be fun, efficiency isn't anything crazy but his scoring is still up there and his playmaking and floor reading is at a superstar level right now

[@benjamin-qn7nf]

As a clippers fan, Im here to say that Mitchell was causin me so much stress last playoffs

[@razza1580]

One of the best basketball channels out rn

[@cormactierney3626]

Would love to see a Grant Williams analysis. This season he's become the most consistent shooter on the Celtics and his free throw percentage jumped about 40%, and on top of that it seems like he's more disciplined and smart on defense

[@MasonMiles5]

He’s playing great this year, but there’s not much to analyze lol. He’s making his 3’s specifically the corner 3 as opposed to his last first 2 yrs and now he’s able to stay on the floor consistently. He was already a good switchable defender and smart decision maker within the offense.

[@schuylersavage276]

Yes!!

[@lyyyle]

nobody wants an analysis on Grant fuckin Williams 😭😭

[@MegaAdolfSTALIN]

@@lyyyle no lies dawg just a celtics homer haha

[@evandercaldwell9993]

Wow, Thank You so much for these thorough explanations of the Jazz offense with great examples!! Makes me appreciate the Jazz offense strategy on a whole other level!! 🙏🔥🔥🏀💯

[@TheCrogun]

This video made me sad because of the amount of Joe Ingles. It's so weird that he's not on the Jazz anymore.

[@thouzer47.58]

He will be come the off season. His contract is up. You think he's gonna stay on the blazers when he could go back to he Jazz in the offseason? Lol

[@cotchy-2663]

How sad are you now?

[@ASURAN24]

Hopefully Donovan's playoff scoring prowess continues this offseason.

[@samuelyuan291]

Honestly wondering if Thinking Basketball has any input on football cuz the amount of football analogies I've noticed in the videos is significant. I would be down for that

[@simonanderson4858]

European or American football?

[@santiproductions9318]

@@simonanderson4858 the real football, roll tide feller

[@navonmyhand7999]

@@simonanderson4858 American

[@dolloptrollop]

your videos are so well edited, scripted, and given a lot of thought, thank you

[@alejandrosierra3743]

#Suggestion Your analysis of best team/players are just awesome, but it would be great to watch videos where you show to us why a team or a specific player is not doing well this season. Love your content! Greetins from Spain!

[@bradensmith8170]

This is great man! I think you should have analyzed Donovan’s first step speed a bit more to go along with his low center of gravity. He has the best first step in the league. I also think his handle is his biggest weakness, if it were tighter his efficiency would go way up but he loses the ball a lot when making moves where his athleticism is too much for his ball handling skills. All in all he’s the Jazz’ most important player.

[@ciaojay7025]

Donovan and Gobert is 1a and 1b. Both of them is really important to that team

[@bradensmith8170]

@@ciaojay7025 agreed, I think Rudy is better overall but Donny fills up the areas where Rudy is clearly lacking so nicely. And vise versa. They compliment each other very well.

[@dennisthemenace855]

I’m sorry but are you guys crazy ? Rudy is very impactful but every playoffs he’s big flop and gets exposed . Dmitch is the definite BEST player on the jazz .

[@bradensmith8170]

@@dennisthemenace855🤡 you're a casual and it's showing a lot right now.

[@uuh4yj43]

@@dennisthemenace855 literally so much coverage over the last year on how gobert was not at fault for the jazz failing in the playoffs like, please, dont be ignorant

[@KimWe-a-xler]

Man he reminds me of D-Wade in the mid to late 2000's. Sharp, rapid, violate cuts to the cup. Those are signature D-Wade moves.

[@li.v4388]

Appreciate the video, been rooting for him since day one and it’s great to see the progression he’s made. Was wondering when we’ll get a video about Tyrese Maxey’s huge leap in improvement, or do we not have enough samples or data for it :3

[@ryanandrewbaker]

Ben, you're hitting your straps with these breakdowns. You've hit a new gear.

[@willhooke]

Donovan Mitchell is the 2020s version of DWade Sure, a little slower and smaller, but with the extra skills patch of shooting, step backs, dribble package, etc Thank you for recognising him being short but long armed; it's a horrible combo to guard 💯 Hopefully no injuries this playoffs 👍

[@DrPondsPizza]

He came into the league and shattered expectations vs OKC as a rookie. then one of if not the most entertaining first round playoff series against denver. Him and jamaal were unbelievable that series. then last year leading the team with the best record. He looked like the best player on the best team for two series. he has been unbelievable.

[@thsu8]

"D-Mitch or D-Book?" is one of the hardest NBA comparisons ever. They are both filthy good. Booker is more skilled, but Mitchell might be more effective.

[@futurehofer1564]

and Mitchell has done better in the playoffs

[@uuh4yj43]

@@futurehofer1564 well book went to the finals, mitchell just put up better numbers, so booker has had more success, surprisingly. but imo mitchell is a lot better than booker in pretty much every aspect of basketball, if he was on the suns they woulda won it all.

[@exeterra4825]

@@uuh4yj43 Suns are a WAY better team than jazz though. Donovan is carrying the entire offense for jazz while booker usually plays a second option to cp3. What mitchell is doing in the playoffs is a lot more impressive all things considered. Hell, Booker couldnt even make playoffs without cp3

[@uuh4yj43]

@@exeterra4825 oh i agree 100%, they are not on the same level, suns are better and mitchell is better

[@deathcare]

These are my favorite basketball videos on KZbin. Would you ever consider making some videos about about the ways a certain player struggles? Like maybe a video about Westbrook or KP and what they need to change to be as good as they once were? I suppose it would kind of be like the opposite of the videos you make about all the young guys now.

[@tubecrazy3000]

I’ve never understood why he’s a less recognized star. This guy is good as hell, yet his name rarely is mentioned.

[@thesmokeycloud]

Small Market media treatment

[@muratbilgehan5142]

Do you understand it now?

[@Aaronsolnelson]

Great coverage. I'd love some analysis on the Jazz' trouble with small-ball. I think Gobert gets more blame than he deserves. He is actually pretty good on the perimeter, but helps down when someone else gets beat and his man ends up scoring. That's what happened when Tre Mann went off last year.

[@kingdinodragonite3470]

Mitchell is underrated in my opinion. People really said Booker is better than him because of that finals run smh

[@musix3197]

His playoff performances are something else like he turns it up and becomes a scoring machine.

[@Bluewildangel]

Can’t wait for the next video , I would love to see a breakdown of tyrese maxey cause his speed is something phenomenal

[@naushilmehta652]

If Chris Paul hypothetically went to Utah instead of Phoenix, we talk about Mitch and the Jazz the way we talk about the Suns: legit contenders with a bright future. Right now, they're in the "really good every year but no one seriously considers them contenders" bracket that the Bucks were in until last year. I love Mitch and hope they make some legit noise this year

[@uuh4yj43]

that would be such a good duo hopefully chris paul ages well enough that it is possible!

[@BRONSTEINER]

Imagine him and Trae Young backcourt. Unstoppable offense, nonexistent defense would be fun to watch.

[@jay__5706]

Finally people talking about the jazz! You should make a video on Jordan Clarkson

[@josephsmith1886]

You’ve been absolutely on fire lately Ben, Thinking KZbin should do a video on you.

[@ntran74]

Wow, imagine him on the Cavaliers!

[@Considerationhhh]

Recently listened to your podcast and you mentioned Mitchell's 121 offense rating. Thank you for the analysis video here😃

[@ReCharredSigh]

I wonder how much of Mitchell's current improvement has to do with dwade being a minority owner of the jazz as well as mentoring him? Either way, great vid as always.

[@ThinkingBasketball]

I wouldn't be surprised if that's helped him a bit.

[@LemonFriedRice248]

Wow, i really needed the positivity as a mitchell and jazz fan. All i hear is how we suck in the playoffs and our terrible perimeter defense

[@erictate04]

Broooo ! I been saying this! Donavon Mitchell is the MOST disrespected “Superstar” in the league. I know Jokic get disrespected but at least they notice him as a Superstar. D Mitch don’t even get the acknowledged as a “Superstar”. When the Jazz play, no matter who they playing. D Mitch is always the 1st or 2nd best player on the court. This man carried the team since his Rookie Season. Basically a team of a Role Players With his best Offensive Teammate being Joe Ingles and Mike Conley, which Conley missed time in the Playoffs (and this is not 2012, Conley lost a step). The closest thing to what A.I was doing. Rudy Gobert being his Mutambo . If D Mitch had a legit 20 PPG Scorer on his team with him, they would be the FAVORITE to come out the West. The Man just don’t have enough Help. Is that Simple 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Bibipros]

new thinking basketball video lesgooo

[@isaacmoore1616]

Wake up babe! new thinking basketball just dropped

[@Miles_305]

Sheesh. That in and out dribble breakdown tho. Good content 👍🏾

[@Hoops_Fan]

The great thing about Jazz 's offence is that they have multiple perimeter players who can handle, create and shoot: Mitchell, Conley, Bogdanovic and Clarkson. This leads to some excellent swing offence where they create multiple three pointing opportunities out of drive and kick situations.

[@matthewwwwwwwwwwwwwww]

BENJAMIN WE’RE STILL WAITING ON THAT MIAMI HEAT VIDEO DON’T THINK WE FORGOT

[@scottwinn5043]

Amazing content as always

[@ramzy-1096]

what a player his stats are crazy in the playoffs

[@davidng8870]

What happened to him this year In hindsight their apex was last year but they were pretty fearsome. People remember the collapse in G6 against the Clippers but there was a reason they were up by 25 in the first place and won the first two even when we had Kawhi. It’s a shame they broke it up but something obviously went badly wrong this year. Seems like the two best players just couldn’t get along

[@raduserban5238]

Donovan makes some of the best kick out passes I’ve ever seen. He might not have that great of an IQ and vision but those laser kick out are seriously difficult. Those are LeBron level passes

[@thesmokeycloud]

his iq is great. those passes are proof, people need to stop downplaying mitchell cause the media doesnt show him love

[@nonamewillbegiven9989]

"I ever seen" awwww someone's in elementary school

[@fwolf8340]

great video as usual donovan is a very underrated player but is clutch when you need him which is in the playoffs. Maybe you can also do a video showing some of giannis' growth in his game since your video on him a while back as that will also be great to see

[@oilbaron3126]

Literally the only channel that got Bojan Bogdanovic correct

[@Redmailnet]

I like his game ever since I first saw him at a Louisville highlight clip. Machine.

[@randomperson2540]

Thank you for finally explaining this I believe I ask to do a video like this and you finally delivered, I am curious though where you think he can be on a title contending team as of talent

[@TheArena12128]

Really awesome breakdown! Love it.

[@Nerfgunninja]

Great vid Ben

[@fhjunior6183]

Thanks for the vid

[@Alex-vy1wm]

Ive been saying the Donovan is crazy but everyone always talking abt other players like melo ot booker or tatum but if he was on a dif market he'd be recognized as much as he deserves

[@strpfe5038]

Posted right after he got clamped vs the Pelicans

[@suto5704]

This is a fantastic video

[@zdthekilla6950]

DO A VIDEO ON THE WARRIORS STRUGGLES WITHOUT DRAYMOND PLEASE

[@mattymemm]

Great Video 👍

[@travisanderson1284]

Got a new sub. Love it

[@martizada]

Serving up Mitchellin star dishes lol Ben got bars

[@ItsNoRandom]

Can we get a future breakdown on Tyrese haliburton. The pacer are going to have a an all star for some yrs maybe some playoff runs if they build around him

[@dennisthemenace855]

His game is built for the playoffs

[@6dotz]

Rudy Goberts offensive limitations in the post season will continue to set them back because it will lead teams to running small ball without giving up much when guarding Gobert. If he’s dominant or serviceable down low it would force teams to run bigs and allow Gobert and the Jazz to run their regular season defense.

[@bradensmith8170]

This is the Most accurate of all the criticisms I’ve read on here.

[@jamalwalker04]

This add-in weak perimeter d and this is why we lost last year

[@ThinkingBasketball]

The offense has been amazing in the playoffs though -- I think the defense is the issue.

[@uuh4yj43]

@@ThinkingBasketball weird to think that their perimeter d is the problem when a few years ago dmitch and mike conley were some of the best defensive guards in the league. that's age and load for you!

[@sethanderson5535]

Awesome Analysis!

[@daldo425]

Dope video!

[@docauch5938]

Jaylen Brown’s ceiling looks something like this too. I hope they keep working out in the off-season 👀

[@uuh4yj43]

idk jaylen is more of a finisher with creating skills, and mitchell is a creator with great finishing. idk i think they are similar in some ways but fundamentally different kinds of players

[@solodolo304]

Welcome to the CAVS bruh!!

[@MySelf-oj6pb]

King of the analysis 😊

[@stellarr6557]

I love donovan mitchell so freaking much and this video proves my point. HE IS A GOOD SHOOTER PEOPLE!

[@darhk_night6660]

Finally someone notices it

[@brycemorrill1078]

I was sad as hell when Gordon Hayward left as soon as we started getting good, but when I saw Donovan Mitchell play I had hope the jazz would start winning more. Maybe one day we'll get a championship

[@captainrex4614]

Mitchell is the most underrated player in the NBA.

[@thesmokeycloud]

cause he plays in a small market, if he goes to a big market team he'll get the demar media treatment

[@thesmokeycloud]

man is a walking highlight reel and is totally ignored by the media cause he plays in Utah

[@muratbilgehan5142]

You still think so?

[@rockbert6482]

I love your videos. But what id also love is in the end of the vid you kinda like give a take on what u think a team or a player can achive this season. You said that when Mitchel is playing the way hes playing he could swing a Playoff Series and win games on his own but that still doesnt tell me what u think the ceiling of the Jazz is this season. Just a thought

[@willdehner3404]

not only is their offense great but so is their defense. they’re all great defensive players

[@ethanhansen1479]

That didn’t age well😂

[@movecount]

Early for once. It's like 4:11am here

[@TJ-ie9qo]

3:38 still amazed by this pass

[@andrewyarosh1809]

Any discussion of Mitchell and Gobert should make mention of the Nuggets “brain trust” (Tim Connelly) who traded Gobert for Erick Green & cash (preferring to stick with Kostas Koufax & JaVale McGee at center) and Mitchell for Trey Lyles & Tyler London (preferring Emmanuel Mudiay). Not a single member of the Denver sports press has had the stones to question Connelly about these trades and press him to explain them. Despite Connelly’s success in building the current Nuggets, they would be a juggernaut with Gobert anchoring the interior defense, Jokic directing the offense from the 4 and Mitchell paired with Jamal Murray in the backcourt.

[@toyin71]

Offense yes, now the defense is a whole other issue lol (everyone outside of Gobert and Royce ofc)

[@arp_909]

Royce hasn’t been great of late. Would like to see House Jr get more minutes

[@TheMrBig8]

Thank you for showing some attention to Spida. Quietly having another career year.

[@rockbert6482]

Another Vid from the Goat

[@loekkuiken1602]

Mitchellin star dishes, I like what you did there

[@ijoseph7343]

2:10 man it’s tough to defend the pick n roll when officials are so lenient like they are here