WATCH: Kings Rookie Davion Mitchell Goes Inferno From Three-Point Range Against Blazers
Oct 12, 2021, 11:09 AM | Updated: 11:09 am
(NBAE/via Getty Images)
(NBAE/via Getty Images)
Mitchell scored 20 points on six-of-nine shooting from the field during Monday’s preseason win
When the Sacramento Kings drafted Davion Mitchell with the ninth-overall pick during June’s 2021 NBA Draft, defense was the primary factor in general manager Monte McNair’s decision.
While Mitchell’s defense has impressed during Summer League and preseason play, the rookie guard made a statement on Monday night–a statement from the offensive side of the ball.
With Tyrese Haliburton (rest) and Buddy Hield (rest) both sitting out on Monday, Mitchell was inserted into the starting lineup alongside De’Aaron Fox.
Mitchell exploded for 20 points on seven-of-12 shooting from the field and an incredible six-of-nine from beyond the three-point arc over 32 minutes of action. The 23-year-old acted as Sacramento’s greatest threat from three-point land with Hield and Haliburton out, firing at will and knocking down impressive looks during a 107-93 Kings win over the shorthanded Portland Trail Blazers.
The Kings will not need these types of performances out of Mitchell on a nightly basis when Fox, Haliburton and Hield are all active, but the fact that Mitchell possesses the ability to knock down shots makes him even more of an asset to a team that has desperately needed players that can play on both sides of the basketball.
Over three preseason appearances, Mitchell is averaging 13.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 27.2 minutes per game on 51-percent shooting from the field and a blistering 62-percent from three-point range (5.3 attempts per game).
Sacramento will return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night in the preseason finale.
Following Thursday’s matchup, the team will enjoy almost a week off before opening the regular season next Wednesday, October 20th against Portland at the Moda Center.
