Jan 21, 2021; Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) warms up prior to their game against the Pelicans at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Donovan Mitchell unfazed by Shaq's criticism following win over Pelicans

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 1/22/21

Donovan Mitchell scored a season-high 36 points in the Utah Jazz's 129-118 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday. However, that didn't stop Shaquille O'Neal from criticizing him during and after the game on the TNT broadcast.

O'Neal told Mitchell he didn't have what it takes to reach the next level. The 24-year-old was unfazed by his comments.

Donovan's response when Shaq tells him he doesn't have what it takes to get to the next level:

"Aight." pic.twitter.com/t64PxpeTFD
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 22, 2021

Mitchell was further asked about O'Neal's comments after the game and tried to push the conversation toward the team's efforts.

"We're on a seven-game win streak right now, we're playing good basketball. I hate to take a win like this and make it about what they said about me," the Jazz guard said, according to the Salt Lake Tribune's Eric Walden. "You look at how we played and guarded, I'm happy."

Mitchell was named an All-Star for the first time in his career last season and he earned himself a five-year, $195 million extension during the offseason.

This season, the Louisville product is averaging 24.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 40.8% from deep.

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