Donovan Mitchell dedicates win to Lauren McCluskey and family

Donovan Mitchell broke out of his mini slump and willed the Jazz to victory Wednesday night in Houston. Despite his 38 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, dazzling finishes at the rim, and ruthless step-back threes, the coolest thing that Donovan Mitchell did last night was not actually playing basketball. Mitchell honored Lauren McCluskey, the University of Utah student athlete who was murdered earlier this week, by writing her name on his shoes before the game.

He played his heart out during the game and almost single-handedly led the Jazz to victory against James Harden and the Rockets. After his great performance, Mitchell joined the NBA TV crew and discussed the message written on his shoes and what it meant to him.

This was the most important thing that Donovan Mitchell did last night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lauren’s family during this incredibly difficult time.

Rudy Gobert tallied his 138th career double-double in last night’s road victory, and he is moving right on up the all-time list for the Utah Jazz. Gobert should have a pretty realistic shot at ending up third on this list before he hangs it up, so long as he can stay healthy. It’s crazy to see these lists and be reminded of how insane Stockton and Malone were. Goodness gracious.

Derrick Favors also moved up some franchise leader boards last night, securing his 3,713th rebound as a Jazz man. He passed Carlos “GIMME DAT” Boozer, and needs less than 100 to pass Paul Millsap. Where will Faves land all-time on this list?

Jae Crowder has finally settled in Utah after being traded twice in the last two years. Eric Woodyard of the Deseret News wrote on nice piece on Crowder’s newfound love for the game of basketball and how he has recovered since the passing of his mother.

Joe Ingles, Ironman? Ingles moved into 2nd for most consecutive starts among active NBA players, right behind Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Some might make fun of Slow-mo Joe lack for his lack of explosiveness or his strikingly average dad bod, but he’s outlasting all these young-ins out here and not missing any run.