Donovan Mitchell receives a standing ovation and touching video tribute in his return to Utah
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Donovan Mitchell receives a standing ovation and a moving video tribute from the Utah Jazz as he drops 46 points in his return … but it’s not a triumphant homecoming for the star as the Cavaliers suffer a narrow defeat
- Donovan Mitchell received a warm welcome to Salt Lake City on Tuesday
- Mitchell was traded from Utah to Cleveland ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season
- In his first game in Utah, ‘Spida’ starred – scoring 46 points in loss
- Utah outlasted the Cavaliers to win 116-114, and in doing so broke their losing streak.
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The Utah Jazz gave Donovan Mitchell a hero’s welcome as he returned to Vivint Smart Home Arena with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Formerly a centerpiece of the Jazz franchise, Mitchell was traded to the Cavs in the offseason and had not played in his old ballpark as of Tuesday night.
He was duly honored for his five years of service to Utah with a moving tribute video and a standing ovation from fans.
Before the Cavs’ roster was announced, fans showed their love for the former franchise star, to thousands of cheers and some even opted to take a bow.
Utah Jazz gave Donovan Mitchell a hero’s welcome on his return to Salt Lake City
Although the Jazz team did not relent to Mitchell, they snapped a two-game losing streak by beating the No. 4 seed from the East, 116-114.
‘Spida’ went from 2017 to 2021 with the Jazz after Denver selected him with the 13th pick in the 2017 Draft before being traded immediately.
In the tribute video, Utah showed Adam Silver announcing the selection that brought Mitchell from Louisville to Salt Lake City, before showing highlights during his glittering time in a Jazz uniform.
Mitchell had 46 points, six rebounds and five assists in his first Utah appearance.
As expected, Mitchell stormed out in his return, scoring 46 points, grabbing six rebounds and adding five assists.
In the trade that saw Mitchell go to Cleveland, Utah acquired Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji and three first-round picks, before a pick trade.
Markkanen was the choice of the group, scoring 25 points, along with 15 rebounds and an assist.
‘Spida’ spent five seasons with the Salt Lake City franchise after being drafted by the Jazz