On Monday, Donovan Mitchell and his Cleveland Cavaliers lost 123-112 to the Utah Jazz. Considering the team has been trying to pick up its pace as the 2026 NBA playoffs near, it was a difficult loss for fans. Mitchell, the team’s star guard, scored 21 points. Plus, though one can’t take away from Mitchell’s prowess on the court, he wasn’t the highlight of the season.
However, judging by the 29-year-old’s comments, he has no problem giving credit where it’s due.
Donovan Mitchell Endorses Keyonte George’s All-Star Case After 32-Point Breakout vs. Cavaliers
Utah Jazz’s Keyonte George is in the middle of a breakout year. He was equally impressive against the Cavaliers on Monday, scoring 32 points, nine assists, and five rebounds while going 8-of-16 from the field. The 22-year-old was also 100% from the free-throw line.
Mitchell, speaking to reporters after the game, was full of praise for George. Along with being appreciative of a young player’s game, the Cavaliers star also made a special request — for George to be an All-Star.
“I want to highlight the Jazz. They came in there and outplayed us. It started with Keyonte George who deserves to be an All-Star,” Mitchell said postgame. “Young fella that I know personally and I’m excited to see his progress just from last year to this year. The coach he works with is a close friend of mine, so to see them continue to take that step, it’s amazing to see. I’m happy for ’em.”
Keyonte George has averaged 23.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in 38 games this season. Mitchell, on his end, is averaging 29.5 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds.
George is also currently signed to a four-year, $18,816,885 contract with the Utah Jazz with an average annual salary of $4,704,221 per year. While George is his own player, comparisons to stars, especially like Mitchell, are inevitable.
And while George has confirmed he feels grateful for such comparisons, he’s focused on not feeling too pressured. “It doesn’t put more pressure on me, because I know how old I am, I know how much room I got to grow, and I got an organization that I feel believes in me and is behind me,” George explained. “I’m grateful that I’m starting to get that kind of recognition, but Don, he’s done so many great things for this organization, and I’m not even close to that.”
Following their clash on Monday, the Jazz and Cavaliers will face off again on March 30.
