SALT LAKE CITY — A surprise text message popped up on Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell’s phone Saturday night.
The note arrived right after Mitchell had just gone off for a career-best 22 points, with a vicious putback jam, to help the Jazz beat the L.A. Lakers at home.
Mitchell’s performance caught the eye of a two-time NBA All-Star.
“Man, that was nice,” wrote Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard.
No friendly text messages were exchanged ahead of Wednesday’s game, though, as Lillard and the Trail Blazers were in town to take on the Jazz at Vivint Arena.