Donovan Mitchell Injury Update: Cavs Coach Provides Insights To All-Star Guard’s Status After Game 4 Loss vs Celtics

Following the Game 4 loss, Donovan Mitchell & Co. has yet another frustrating aspect to ponder. After stamping their authority in Game 2, the Cleveland Cavaliers struggled to match up with the Boston Celtics‘ dominance. Tonight, Darius Garland took charge in the absence of Spida Mitchell but unfortunately couldn’t cross the line after a tough fight. Heading into Game 5 with a 3-1 series record, JB Bickerstaff didn’t have the most inspiring words.

The Cavs coach revealed Mitchell’s injury update after the game. The team has still included the All-Star in the Questionable category as they monitor him on a day-to-day basis regarding his left calf strain. Next, the Cavs will travel to TD Garden for their do-or-die. They’ve been considered an underdog before the series and not the favorites to win. But what was Donovan Minchell’s reaction to those critics?

Addressing it, Donovan Mitchell said, “Us coming into Boston — I’m pretty sure everyone thinks they’re going to come in and kick our ass… to continue stay level-headed through it all, not listen to y’all. That’s the biggest thing,” ahead of the series. The star words even came alive after their threatening Game 2 win.

Unfortunately, the star couldn’t carry it to the next game, as they suffered a 93-106 loss at home. Above all, Mitchell sustained a calf injury in the last quarter of Game 3. It eventually kept him out of tonight’s game as well. Caris LeVert moved up the order and replaced him in the starting lineup.

Spida Mitchell has carried the Cavs throughout this postseason, averaging 29.6 points with a high score of 50 points against the Orlando Magic. With this injury, he joined Jarrett Allen, who was also sidelined after an injury in the Game 4 first round. Notably, they played tonight’s game without their top scorers. The Bucks are the only team to win a playoff game without their top 2 scorers (Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard) in the history of the NBA.

Will Donovan Mitchell & Co. stay alive in the series?

The only way the Cavs can stay alive in the postseason is by forcing Game 6. In fact, they have to pull it off by winning a game in TD Garden, the fortress of the Celts. It isn’t an impossible task, but it definitely is a tough one. Donovan Mitchell & Co. have already done it in Game 2. They will need their star guard back on the court for the do-or-die game and have to check all their boxes to repeat the Game 2 result.

Firstly, the Evan Mobley factor. He entered the starting lineup as a replacement for Jarrett Allen. In his three-season stay with the Cavs, Mobley established himself as a defensive talent. However, in this series, he surprised everyone with his offensive ability. Especially during a sequence in Game 2 when he dropped 5 consecutive buckets for a 10-0 run. The Cavs will require a similar performance from the big man.

And Caris LeVert, who replaced Mitchell tonight, has been a bench star for the Cavs. Speaking of him, coach Bickerstaff said, “He’s just got that off-beat wiggle that’s difficult to stay in front of… He’s also dangerous because he can make late passes.” The team will need him to shine on the big night.

Finally, Mitchell and Darius Garland have to fire up the offense machine and keep the buckets flowing by orchestrating the game. Notably, the Cavs have managed a better defense throughout their run, so they can continue the same.

Do you think the Cavs will force Game 6? Let us know in the comments.