Donovan Mitchell had a sensational 2017-18 season, as he led the Utah Jazz to the postseason despite being a rookie. He was dubbed as the franchise's cornerstone after losing Gordon Hayward, the team's lone All-Star.

However, Donovan Mitchell struggled a lot during the first few months of this season, and his slow start has impacted the Jazz as a team. They were out of the playoff picture and were looking like they were lottery bound.

Back in December, a lot of people were already questioning whether or not Mitchell's rookie season was a fluke. Utah was a few games under .500, and they didn't look like the same Jazz team that made the playoffs last season even though they have almost the same roster.

In danger of missing the playoffs, Mitchell took full responsibility in helping the Jazz turn the season around. He started playing well again in January, helping the team win 15 of its last 20 games, including nine of their last ten.

Article Continues Below
More Utah Jazz News
Collin Sexton in Charlotte Hornets jersey wearing #2 and Jusuf Nurkic in Utah Jazz jersey wearing #27 with a purple background
Grading Hornets-Jazz trade involving Collin Sexton, Jusuf NurkicKris Pursiainen ·
image thumbnail
Jazz rumors: Utah seeking Jordan Clarkson trade, but there’s a catchJedd Pagaduan ·
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) handles the ball against Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) during the second half at Spectrum Center.
Hornets acquire Collin Sexton from Jazz for Jusuf NurkicTroy Finnegan ·
Ace Bailey stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fifth pick by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Ace Bailey gym video sparks buzz after rookie’s Jazz arrivalRichard Pereira ·
Jazz's Ace Bailey arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center
Jazz’s Ace Bailey officially lands in Utah before Summer LeagueJosue Pavon ·
image thumbnail
Kendrick Perkins slams ‘vultures’ in Ace Bailey Jazz sagaMatty Breisch ·

In an interview with Tim McMahon of ESPN, Mitchell addressed his early-season slump and how he was able to recover from it.

“It’s just making it easier on myself. A lot of my shots I took early in the season were tough shots, shots you take when you’re on a roll. I’m thinking those are the shots that I have to make, [but] no, just make it simple for myself. “It’s a different feeling coming in and having everybody kind of lock in on you, as opposed to last year when you kind of crept in.”

Over the past ten games, Mitchell has been averaging 30.4 points and 6.1 assists while shooting 46.9 percent shooting from the field.

The Jazz have now clawed their way up the standings. Right now, they're the seventh best team in the Western Conference with a 29-22 record. Moreover, based on how good Mitchell has been playing, they could end up in a higher spot by the end of the season.