Cavs' Donovan Mitchell makes key injury announcement ahead of Game 3 vs. Pacers
Context:
Donovan Mitchell's injury scare during the fourth quarter of Game 2 against the Pacers added to the Cleveland Cavaliers' woes after they suffered a heartbreaking loss, leaving them down 2-0 in the conference semifinals. Despite appearing to have injured his neck, Mitchell confirmed he would be ready for Game 3, providing a crucial presence for the Cavs who were missing key players like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter due to injuries. Mitchell's 48-point performance was nearly enough to secure a victory, but Tyrese Haliburton's decisive three-pointer and the Pacers' late 8-0 run dashed those hopes. As the Eastern Conference's top seed, the Cavaliers now face a daunting task of trying to turn the series around on the road in Indiana. The team remains hopeful for positive injury updates on their sidelined players to bolster their chances in upcoming games.
Dive Deeper:
Donovan Mitchell sustained a neck injury during Game 2's fourth quarter but managed to continue playing, later assuring fans he would be ready for Game 3, which is crucial given the team's current 2-0 deficit against the Pacers in the conference semifinals.
The Cavaliers faced significant challenges without Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter, all sidelined due to injuries, forcing Mitchell to shoulder much of the offensive burden, evidenced by his 48-point game.
A late-game surge by the Pacers, featuring an 8-0 run capped by a clutch stepback three-pointer by Tyrese Haliburton, ultimately led to the Cavaliers' loss, despite Mitchell's outstanding performance.
The loss places the Cavaliers, the Eastern Conference's top seed, in a precarious position as they must win on the road in Indiana to stay competitive in the series, highlighting the importance of having a full-strength roster.
As the team prepares for Game 3, they eagerly await positive news regarding the return of injured players, who are vital to their strategy and success in reversing the series' momentum.
The last thing the Cleveland Cavaliers needed, even more than a heartbreaking loss on Tuesday night to the Pacers, was to see Donovan Mitchell on the ground writhing in pain.
Momentarily during Game 2's fourth quarter, that's where Mitchell was after taking a hard fall and appearing to have his neck bent at an awkward angle.
But Mitchell stayed in the game.
Afterward, he told Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor, "I'll be ready for Friday."
That's when Game 3 will be played. The Cavs face a 2-0 deficit in the conference semifinals after Tyrese Haliburton's clutch stepback 3-pointer won the game on Tuesday after the Pacers finished on an 8-0 run.
The Cavs were without Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter due to injury.
Mitchell put the team on his back with 48 points.
MORE: Donovan Mitchell masterpiece spoiled by heartbreaking ending
For 47 minutes, it looked like that'd be enough in a Herculean performance.
But the Pacers' late run spoiled the masterpiece and put the Cavaliers' season in grave danger.
The Eastern Conference's top seed will have to reverse course while on the road in Indiana, too.
At least they know they'll have Mitchell.
Now they're waiting on some positive injury news on a few of their other key pieces.