Spida\’s Return

January 11, 2023 Spida\’s Return

By: Carlos Alvarez

Donovan Mitchell (46 Points) Returns to Utah, But Jazz Get Last Laugh (116-114)

Donovan Mitchell is having a career year in Cleveland since being traded to the Cavs in September, but his first trip back to Utah — the team that drafted him in 2017 — was full of emotion. He dropped 46 points on seven 3s against the Jazz last night, but it was Utah who got the win (116-114) behind Jordan Clarkson’s 32-point night. Since being traded to Cleveland, Mitchell is having his best year offensively, averaging career-highs with 28.8 ppg on 49 percent shooting (40% from 3, 87% from FT). His shooting numbers were inflated by his 71-point outing a week ago, and his 46 last night gives him five games with 40-plus this season.

 

Watch: Jazz Edge Cavs in Mitchell’s Return (116-114)

 

Other NBA Highlights

 

Embiid Buries PistonsThe 76ers have now won five of their last six after Joel Embiid (36 points, 11 rebounds) dismantled the Pistons last night (147-116). Philly shot 60.7 percent from the floor. It was the most points by an Eastern Conference team in regulation this season.

 

Heat Set FT RecordJimmy Butler (35 points) secured a game-winning and-one for the Heat with 12.9 seconds left to beat the Thunder (112-111). In the process, Butler’s game-winner from the stripe helped Miami set an NBA record by making all 40 of their free throws, breaking the Jazz’s record in 1982 (39).

 

Other NBA Scores

Suns def. Warriors (125-113)

Clippers def. Mavericks (113-101)

Raptors def. Hornets (132-120)

Magic def. Blazers (109-106)

 

Photo: Alex Goodlett / Getty Images