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Donovan Mitchell gives Cleveland Cavs an injury scare, leaves game vs Kings
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- Donovan Mitchell gives Cleveland Cavs an injury scare, leaves game vs Kings
CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers will be holding their collective breath.
At this point in the season, with the Cavs on the verge of locking up the No. 1 seed in the East and having nothing else to play for, an injury to a key contributor is close to the worst-case scenario. The Cavs now have to hope that isn't the case with star guard Donovan Mitchell .
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In the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings , Mitchell made a layup and might have landed somewhat awkwardly.
As Mitchell ran back down the floor to get on defense, he appeared to stumble near Kings guard Keon Ellis . Mitchell was writhing in pain on the floor, holding his ankle in obvious discomfort.
After being down for a minute, Mitchell limped off the floor and headed to the locker room.
With 3:02 left in the third quarter, Mitchell was able to check back into the game. Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson had a conversation with the All-Star guard before he re-entered.
"I had a discussion with him. I told him, I said, 'Listen, if it's, you know, even 5 percent where you're a little weak or whatever, or it's bothering you, you gotta tell me so we can get you out,'" Atkinson said. "We got multiple games to try to clinch this thing. Don't have to do it tonight. And he said it was fine you know, felt fine."
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell drives to the basket against Kings guard Malik Monk during the second half, April 6, 2025, in Cleveland.
After the game, Mitchell was asked about how he felt and responded with, "Never been better."
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Mitchell confirmed he hurt his ankle while stepping on Ellis' foot, and that he'll see how it feels tomorrow. The Cavs will be closely monitoring how Mitchell bounces back in the coming days.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Donovan Mitchell injury update after apparent ankle issue
