Donovan Mitchell and Team USA will attempt to reach 5-0 in FIBA World Cup play, as they take on Brazil in the final matchup of round two. Brazil had a huge win over Greece last week, which helped secure them a spot in the second round. They are coming off a disappointing loss vs. Czech Republic on Saturday, a game in which they never led, and ultimately lost by 22 points. They allowed Czech Republic to score 93 points on 64 % shooting. They are led by former NBA players Anderson Varejao and Leandro Barbosa, and have been a fun team to watch so far in the FIBA World Cup.

Game Info

When: Monday, September 9th , 2019. 6:30 AM MDT

Where: Shenzhen, China

TV: Livestream on ESPN+

What to Watch For

Donovan Mitchell is coming off a game vs. Greece in which he shot 2/8 from three. Even though it was his worst shooting performance so far in the FIBA World Cup, Mitchell was a team-high +21 in the plus-minus. This was the second game in a row that Mitchell led the team in plus-minus. Something to watch for in this game is Spida’s shot selection. It appeared in the game vs. Greece that he was madly in love with the three ball. Wasn’t really even looking for shots other than ones that were outside the three-point line. Through four full games in FIBA play, Donovan Mitchell has still not attempted a free-throw. This is probably a combination of FIBA refs allowing A LOT of contact when guys go to the hole, coupled with maybe a bit of hesitation on Donovan’s part to not risk any crazy injuries while taking said ball to the hole. You really can’t blame him. One thing that we will not do, is judge Mitchell off of this play in FIBA, due to the completely different game that these guys are playing. All of that being said, it will be interesting to see how Mitchell responds to his 2/8 shooting from three the other morning, and if he will continue to let it fly from down town.

Winning this game will secure the top seed from Group K, and will send them onto the playoff knockout round. Winning this game would put them against the second place team from group L, which will be the loser of France and Australia. AKA, we’re going to lose our first Jazz man from the FIBA World Cup :(.

Mandatory Highlight

Mitchell’s plus-minus speaks for itself, but he has been a great contributor to Team USA even outside of his scoring. This no-look pass from last game was about as gorgeous as they come, and here’s to maybe a few more of those over the years.

Game Thread Ground Rules

Welcome to the SLC Dunk Game Thread.

Dunkers know how this thing works, but for you lurkers ready to make the jump to Dunker, we have a few guidelines. Remember to follow our community guidelines (no swearing, trolling, excessive use of Jerry Sloan’s name in vain, no personal attacks, no debates about Utah liquor laws, etc.). Remember to have fun. Anyone who dare blasphemes that Tim Duncan was a Power Forward (this means you, Pounding the Rock), Ben Simmons can hit threes, Gordon Haywardshould not be booed, Exum Island isn’t a 5-Star resort, Donovan Mitchell is Monta Ellis 2.0, men should never cry or John Stockton is not the best point guard of all-time will receive an automatic ban. Just kidding. But seriously.