Is it too early to begin constructing the Donovan Mitchell statue on the corner of Stockton and Malone Drives?
Fear the Beard? Nah. Fear the disgusting Spida!
Last night’s epic put-back dunk in Houston was, IMHO, one of the greatest plays in Jazz history, if not NBA history. The clear rookie-of-the-year favorite (sorry Ben Simmons, he’s actually a rookie) sent shock waves through Jazz Nation that reverberated throughout the country.
But just as sweet as that dunk was the fact that this Jazz team, led by the not-household names of Dante Exum, Joe Ingles, Alec Burks, and Jae Crowder, got a playoff road win against the NBA’s best team. Obviously, none of those players are recognizable outside of Utah. Oh how sweet.
And that team effort lifted the Jazz to its most exciting season since the days of #12 and #32, easily outperforming last year’s team. And, as I’ve said before, if Quin Snyder does not win Coach of the Year, it will be the greatest travesty in NBA history.
Now, I’m an optimist. But I’m also a realist. It was one game. And Houston couldn’t buy a basket. They will, no doubt, bring their A-game on Friday. But as DPOY Rudy Gobert referenced, anyone who wants to beat the Jazz will have to face Rudy and his closest 19,911 friends. Jazz Nation will be all over Houston. Just ask Russell Westbrook.
The Jazz are playing with house money. They have outperformed everyone’s expectation. And that’s what makes this team super scary: they are young, hungry, and clearly don’t care what anyone thinks of them. That and a big ole Spida!
A few more random Jazz notes:
Donovan didn’t have his best shooting night, but he was fearless– he kept shooting and kept being aggressive.
I still think I’d rather have picked Deron Williams over Chris Paul. 
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Dante Exum’s dunk may be the second greatest play in Jazz history. Ok, 1- Donovan’s dunk, 2- Stockton’s shot, 3- Dante’s dunk.
That had to have been the greatest win for Dennis Lindsey beating his former team with a cast of misfits that he assembled.
My flight was way delayed, and I didn’t watch this game until the wee hours of the night– and I couldn’t believe my eyes–I thought I was dreaming.
NBA: Take note.