The Utah Jazz finally tipped off what is arguably their most anticipated campaign since Deron Williams had just led the team to the Western Conference Finals in 2007. And on the same day that NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced the All-Star Game would be returning to Salt Lake City in 2023, Donovan Mitchell jump-started his own All-Star campaign for 2020.
He and the Jazz band began the season on a winning note, dropping Chris Paul and the Oklahoma City Thunder 100-95 at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday.
Questions about Utah’s defense abounded after it had surrendered nearly 121 points per 100 possessions over its last four preseason games.