Donovan Mitchell reflects on catching up with former teammate Rudy Gobert: "I didn’t know what happened to him until we started getting blitzed"
Former Utah Jazz duo Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell faced off for the first time since both got traded.
The last time the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Cleveland Cavaliers was without Mitchell in the lineup. This time around, "Spida" finally had the opportunity to go up against Gobert, however, it was short-lived. The Frenchman ended up being sidelined in the second half due to injury.
This is the second time both teams have faced off. Unfortunately, the Cavs again lost to the Wolves with a score of 110-102. Donovan Mitchell had an underwhelming performance with 14 points, six assists and three rebounds. He acknowledged that his team was annihilated by Minnesota. and that was the only time he noticed that Gobert was no longer on the court.
“It was quick," Mitchell said. "I didn’t know what happened to him until we started getting blitzed every possession. Then I realized he wasn’t on the floor. Always good to catch up and see him again.”
#Cavs Donovan Mitchell on playing against old Jazz teammate Rudy Gobert:
“It was quick. I didn’t know what happened to him until we started getting blitzed every possession. Then I realized he wasn’t on the floor. Always good to catch up and see him again.”
Are Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell better off without each other?
Since leaving the Utah Jazz, Donovan Mitchell has openly expressed his feelings towards his former duo Rudy Gobert.
Despite the potential the Jazz had to become contenders in the league, Gobert and Mitchell weren't always on the same page. "Spida" said that they both had the same passion and eagerness to win games. However, it was their perspective on basketball that made a difference.
“Honestly, basketball just didn’t work," Mitchell explained. "We live in such a world where it has to be really negative. Basketball just didn’t work. We didn’t see eye to eye. We wanted to both win, but we wanted to do it two different ways."
Donovan Mitchell continued:
"It didn’t work. But as far as him and I go as people, I don’t hate him, and he doesn’t hate me. I wouldn’t say we’re the best of friends, but we’re not at the point where it’s like, I can’t stand him.”
Despite their differences as teammates, Gobert and Mitchell didn't necessarily hate each other. Donovan wished nothing but the best for Gobert now that he plays for Minnesota. The Frenchman is averaging 13.6 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game for the Timberwolves.
Meanwhile, it appears that Donovan Mitchell is enjoying his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers by having arguably his best season yet. He's averaging 28.8 points, 4.9 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. With that in mind, it's safe to say that the Cavs won the trade, as they're in the top five in the East this season.