Butler hits game-winner in OT; Donovan Mitchell gets Jazz back on track

Jimmy Butler hits game-winning shot as Sixers defeat Hornets in OT, and Donovan Mitchell returns to form in efficient win over the Celtics.

The Sixers are feeling some vindication in trading for Jimmy Butler after he just hit a game-winning three-pointer to beat the Hornets in overtime, 122-119.

Kemba Walker kept the Hornets in the match with a career-high 60 points. That’s the most points scored by a player in a single game since James Harden back in January.

Joel Embiid had 33 points and 11 rebounds, but did the majority of his work in the first half of the game. Ben Simmons was the leader in this game, a refreshing sight to see after a shaky start to the season. He finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists.

The win puts the Sixers fourth in the Eastern Conference, with a light stretch of games coming up. In the next few games they have a chance to put some wins together a cement themselves into the top four in the East.

The Jazz earn a tough road win against the Celtics and moves closer to a the Western Conference top-8.

Donavan Mitchell, much like Simmons, has been criticised for some sophomore year woes. The main criticism for Mitchell this year has been shooting inefficiency.

His FG and 3PT percentages have taken a dip this season – shooting at roughly 40% and 27% respectively. Against the Celtics he quieted the noise, shooting 48% from the field, and 41% from three.

Mitchell also outplayed Gordon Hayward, who left the Jazz two seasons ago, and was the star player in Utah before Mitchell was drafted last year.

Jazz fans will especially enjoy this win after Hayward only scored 7 points, as he tries to rediscover his past form.

This game will give further evidence to Jazz fans’ claim that they are better off without Hayward, and are confident that Mitchell will be their franchise player for years to come.