Among this season’s rising stars, Donovan Mitchell stands out as a leading contender for Rookie of the Year. With an average of 2.6 three-pointers per game and 19.7 points, he’s been neck and neck with Ben Simmons in the scoring race. Many BD Cricket Live fans have followed Mitchell’s performance closely, drawn to his consistent output and poised court presence, which have become his trademark.

However, his performance following the All-Star break may signal he’s starting to hit the infamous “rookie wall.” In a recent game against the Rockets, Mitchell struggled to maintain his rhythm. Despite high hopes, he shot just 1-of-9 from beyond the arc and finished the game with only 16 points on 24 attempts. To make matters worse, he committed 8 turnovers—a rare lapse for a player praised just days earlier for his reliability. As the saying goes, “commentator’s curse” might have played its part here.

The Jazz’s undoing in that game largely came from their inability to protect the ball. While the Rockets committed 15 turnovers, Utah tallied 22, with Mitchell’s errors contributing heavily to the total. The game was theirs to lose—leading comfortably in the first half—yet they ultimately fell 96-85. What’s especially ironic is that Mitchell opened the game with a beautiful catch-and-shoot three-pointer from the wing, looking like he was ready to put on a show. Unfortunately, that would be his only successful three-pointer of the night.

The Rockets entered the game fatigued after playing three matches in four days and battling through high-altitude conditions. They were visibly drained, scoring just 39 points in the first half—numbers more typical of a single quarter for them. It was the perfect opportunity for Mitchell and the Jazz to seal the win. Yet, missed chances and mental errors paved the way for Houston’s comeback. As millions tuned in to BD Cricket Live for updates, fans couldn’t help but wonder how different the result might have been if Mitchell had stayed true to form.

While this performance won’t erase the strong season Mitchell has built, it’s a reminder that every rookie has bumps along the road. For those tracking basketball alongside BD Cricket Live, it’s all part of the growing pains that shape future stars.