The Utah Jazz suffered a tough 131-123 overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this week. There was plenty of controversy with the officials coming down the stretch, with Donovan Mitchell getting ejected in overtime.
While leaving the game, Mitchell was seen slapping a water cooler, hitting a security guard on the way out:
Donovan Mitchell was ejected in overtime. pic.twitter.com/GfjGNqFPn8
— ESPN (@espn) March 4, 2021
After the game, Mitchell and Rudy Gobert shared choice words about the officiating:
"We won this game in my personal opinion. … It's getting f—ing ridiculous."
Donovan Mitchell after getting ejected vs. the 76ers: pic.twitter.com/sSTquZuu2n
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 4, 2021
As expected, both have received fines:
Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert have been fined: Mitchell, $25,000 for public criticism of the officiating and his conduct while exiting the playing court. Gobert, $20,000 for public criticism of the officiating.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 5, 2021
Mitchell, Gobert and the Jazz were upset with a number of calls down the stretch. A controversial call late in regulation helped give the Sixers a chance to send the game to overtime, and there were some questionable calls in the extra period.
Luckily for the Jazz, the All-Star break is currently underway, with all the festivities taking place on Sunday. This could be a great way for Mitchell and Gobert to cool down and prepare for the second half of the regular season.
Having lost three of their last four games, this team has hit a rough patch after the Miami Heat put on an impressive display to beat them. With Miami laying out the blueprint on stopping the Jazz, this team will need to figure out how to overcome the challenges they'll face the rest of the season.
After the All-Star break, Utah will be back in action next Friday against the scuffling Houston Rockets. This will be the perfect game for this Jazz team to recoup and get themselves back on track.
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