Donovan Mitchell has been a big part of the reason the Utah Jazz are even in the position that they are, but with Ricky Rubio out he has needed to even play a bigger part during this series against the Houston Rockets. In Game 2 he rose to the occasion and was a key reason they stole a game in Houston.

In Game 3 he really struggled putting up only 10 points, three assists, and one rebound. He shot 4-16 from the field and 2-7 from deep.

At times he really looked uncomfortable with the ball in his hands and that was a big reason why the Jazz lost. For Mitchell, he was really disappointed with the way he performed and he knows he has to do better.

Article Continues Below
More Utah Jazz News
Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy alongside a shadowy player in an Utah Jazz jersey, NBA Draft pick
Utah Jazz’s perfect outcome for No. 5 pick in 2025 NBA DraftDavid Yapkowitz ·
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) steals the ball from Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) during the second quarter at Delta Center.
Bill Simmons brainstorms Paul George for Lauri Markkanen 76ers-Jazz tradePreston Byers ·
Utah Jazz CEO Danny Ainge looks on before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Delta Center. Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
NBA rumors: Jazz already talking with fellow lottery team on tradeJake Faigus ·
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) reacts after a basket with forward Brice Sensabaugh (28) against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at State Farm Arena.
New Jazz executive shuts down tanking narrativeBenedetto Vitale ·
Danny Ainge best NBA trade deadline assets
Jazz hire Danny Ainge’s son to lead front officeMalik Brown ·
knicks, mitchell robinson
1 player New York Knicks must trade in 2025 NBA offseasonGarrett Kerman ·

“I didn't really do much as a whole, like I wasn't there,” Mitchell told Tim MacMahon of ESPN. “That can't happen. That will probably be what I take away the most. It's like I would have been better off just not showing up, because that's what I did. I didn't show up at all for my teammates, and I'll fix it.”

When Rubio is in the game Mitchell seems to play better because he doesn't have to be the one to facilitate the offense and pass as much. He can focus more on just scoring and let Rubio do the rest. Without Rubio, Mitchell knows he also needs to do a better job of getting the rest of the offense involved.

“I've got to pass the ball, for starters,” Mitchell said. “I was taking terrible shots. I made a few better passes in the second half, in the third quarter, but I can't shoot terrible shots. That's what leads to their transition. I don't know how many shots I missed, but all the shots I missed were terrible shots. They weren't good looks. I can't have it, can't do that.”