The NBA playoffs are always filled with excitement and drama, and the recent matchup between the Cavaliers and Celtics was no exception. The Celtics managed to secure a hard-fought victory over the Cavaliers with a final score of 109-102. However, the game was marred by a devastating injury to Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz.
Mitchell, who had been a standout player throughout the playoffs, suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter that forced him to leave the game. His absence was felt by his team, as they struggled to maintain their momentum without his scoring prowess on the court.
Mitchell's absence from the game was keenly felt by both teams, as his dynamic playing style and leadership on the court were sorely missed. The injury not only impacted the outcome of the game but also raised concerns about Mitchell's future in the league.
Donovan Mitchell is out for Monday’s crucial Game 4 in Cleveland with a calf injury, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported.
Mitchell suffered a left calf strain during the fourth quarter of the Cavaliers’ Game 3 loss on Saturday, which put the team in a 2-1 series deficit.
Bickerstaff emphasized that there’s no way to replicate what Mitchell does. It will require everyone to chip in to make up for his absence.
Cavaliers in the regular season came in a game without Mitchell. Boston’s head coach Joe Mazzulla knows that his team can’t let down even though Cleveland will be without its best player.
“Regardless of who’s in, who’s out, you got to be the hardest playing team,” Mazulla said. “I guess that’s most important. There’ll be some minor adjustments along the way. But you know, it seems like the team that’s fighting the hardest. [It’s] the most desperate team that wins.”
Mazzulla’s response was simple when asked how his team avoids the natural letdown that comes with playing a team that’s without their top players.
The Louisville product averaged 31.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 51.5 percent from the field and 53.3 percent from deep through the first three games against the Celtics and is a primary reason Boston isn't going for a sweep in Monday's contest.
Frankly, this all but ends the Cavaliers' realistic chances at advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Even if Mitchell returns for Game 5, Cleveland likely isn't going to win three straight with two of the contests on the road against this loaded Celtics team.
Boston. It isn't immediately clear when or if Mitchell can to return to the series.
The continued absence of Allen — a 2022 All-Star — also puts Cleveland at a significant disadvantage. Cleveland's primary post presence, Allen averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game during the regular season.
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