Donovan Mitchell dominates the Lebron-less Lakers

No point guards? No problem.

In a game with huge playoff implications, and not having a single point guard available, Donovan Mitchell stepped up in a big way.

Mitchell scored 33 points in 32 minutes on the floor on 58% shooting and hitting 4/5 from three. His decision making was also superb as he collected 9 assists.

He also collected one body.

May Javale McGee forever rest in peace.

This game was possibly the most fun game to watch all season, but it might also be a window into the future of the Jazz.

Because of the lack of ball handlers available, the Jazz gave Mitchell the majority of the playmaking responsibilities and all he did was make everyone better on the team.

For example, Royce O’neale had one of the best nights of his career scoring 17 points on 5/12 shooting from three.

The Jazz were able to get away with having less ball handlers on the court because the Lakers aren’t a good basketball team without Lebron James, but it’s exciting to think of the possibilities of a team that could use a just a little more spacing.

Dennis Lindsey has some solid data to go off of going into the trade deadline as he looks to build on what is turning out to be a fantastic core.

What happens with the Jazz if they can provide consistent spacing, and defense, to supplement a superstar duo of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert?

Speaking of Rudy Gobert. On a nightly basis, Gobert brings consistent elite defense. He’s also an incredible screener (tonight he had 7 screen assists) while also rim running as good as any big in the league. Every night he gives the Jazz a chance to win and tonight was no different.

Gobert scored 12 points and grabbed 18 rebounds. As terrifying as Mitchell is to opposing defenses, Gobert is the same way to an opposing offense.

The Jazz two-headed monster is hitting its stride at the perfect time and it’s only a matter of time before they start climbing the playoff ladder.