Rookie Donovan Mitchell breaks Curry's three-point record, eyes Lillard next 

What's the story?

Donovan Mitchell surpassed Stephen Curry's record for second-most 3-point field goals made by a rookie in NBA history. The 21-year-old Utah Jazz shooting guard, achieved the accomplishment against defending champions Golden State Warriors on Sunday evening.

It's another achievement during a splendid year for the rookie sensation during an impressive first year as an NBA professional in the league.

In case you didn't know...

Damian Lillard currently leads the chart, the Portland Trail Blazers' shooting guard achieved the feat in 2012-13 season - when he netted 185 from beyond the arc. On Sunday, Mitchell pushed Steph Curry (currently sidelined with an MCL injury) to the third spot. During the 2009/10 season, Curry himself scored 166 3-pointers for the Warriors.

The heart of the matter

Mitchell nailed the historic 3-pointer in the third quarter, before finishing the game with 21 points on 8-of-19 shooting (4-of-8 from three-point range), helping inspire Utah to a 110-91 win at Oracle Arena to keep their play-off hopes alive. They currently occupy the eighth spot with a 42-32 record and benefited from playing a depleted Warriors side, it must be said.

The Western Conference Rookie of the Month for February leads the Jazz in scoring, with an average of 20.3 points per game this season. In terms of statistics elsewhere this season, he's averaging 3.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 steals and 33.8% from the three-point line.

What's next?

Mitchell will now be aiming to leapfrog Damian Lillard into first place and break his record, but crucially needs another 17 triples in the remaining eight games to get it done before the season's end in mid-April.

Next, the Jazz host Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday and Friday respectively.

In his last eight games alone, he's made 19 threes and could potentially play extended minutes for coach Quin Snyder in the coming weeks as the Jazz push towards an all-important playoff place with matches coming thick and fast.

Author's take

Mitchell has eight games in hand to break the record and prove his metal. If he is to break this record and successfully achieve it, it'd undoubtedly establish his credentials as a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award.

It's not going to be easy, but provided he plays every match and naturally avoids injury, there's no reason why not.