Despite Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook's post-game comments following a loss in Game 3, Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell wasn't directing the focus back on the reigning MVP, but rather on the task at hand — a key factor on their Game 4 win.
The Jazz seemed as comfortable as ever dealing with a Westbrook revenge plan, as the All-Star guard picked up four fouls in the first half and was forced to dial back his defensive aggression for the remainder of the game.
Asked if the team was bothered by his previous comments guaranteeing to shut down Ricky Rubio, Mitchell claims no one in the team was.
“I think we just stayed within ourselves. We always say the strength of our team is our team,” said Mitchell, according to Erik Horne of The Oklahoman. “Like I said this morning, we're not really worried about one individual comment. I think if we get caught up in that it takes us out of our own game and our play showed tonight we were just focused on each other and making the right plays when we needed to.”
Mitchell and the rest of the Jazz core were as collected as they can get — keeping every starter in double figures, led by the rookie's 33-point, seven-rebound, four-assist performance, collecting a plus-22 for the game alongside Rubio.
The Jazz have done everything by the book, knowing that they're a better team and that their team play will outclass the array of talent that the Thunder have assembled.