Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz. (Mandatory Credit: Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports)
Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell is showing us how to beat Shaquille O’Neal by dominating on the hardwood and using criticism as fuel to the fire.
When Shaquille O’Neal openly criticized Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz, it caught everyone off-guard, especially Utah governor Spencer Cox.
Governor Cox clapped back at O’Neal, indirectly, by offering this constructive criticism of the job the Big Fella is doing on TNT’s Inside the NBA.
“So…If I criticize Shaq and let him know that he doesn’t have what it takes to be a good TV commentator…maybe he will get better? You’re welcome TNT. #leadership”
Shaquille O’Neal shook the hornets nest that is Utah Jazz fans
Though the Jazz have never won an NBA Finals before, this is one of the most passionate and rabid fanbases in the entire league. Prior to getting Real Salt Lake in MLS, this was the capital city of Utah’s lone major professional team. Generations of fans have cheered on the Jazz, watching players like Adrian Dantley, Karl Malone, John Stockton and Deron Williams go to work.
Mitchell, along with center Rudy Gobert, are the two new stars in town. Utah may possess big small-market energy, but they know a good team when they see one. While it remains to be seen if the Jazz can hang tough with either of the Los Angeles teams in a best-of-seven series, we know that Mitchell has taken a big step forward in his play since O’Neal openly criticized him on TV.
When the governor has the back of the team’s best player, you know they are all-in.