CLEVELAND — Just when it seemed the Cavaliers couldn’t catch a break, they’ve now learned that Donovan Mitchell is playing through a calf strain. Initially, he was absent from Cleveland’s injury report for Game 2, leading many to breathe a sigh of relief. However, reports from the TNT broadcast revealed otherwise, and Mitchell confirmed after a heartbreaking 120-119 loss to the Indiana Pacers that he is indeed dealing with some discomfort.
“I’m banged up, but we all are,” Mitchell stated candidly, reflecting the broader struggles of a Cavaliers team that finds itself in a tough situation trailing 0-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The injury woes don’t stop with Mitchell. Darius Garland has been sidelined for two weeks, missing four playoff games due to a left big toe sprain. In Game 1, both Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter sustained injuries during the fourth quarter. While they returned to action, neither was able to play on Tuesday, adding to the uncertainty as the Cavs prepare for Game 3 on Friday. All three players are currently listed as “questionable,” having missed shootaround and any pregame work on the court.
A source close to one of the injured players described the situation as revolving around “pain tolerance.” It appears that all of these players could push through their injuries if absolutely necessary, which often complicates the management of injuries, especially in the playoffs.
Interestingly, sources indicate that the Cavaliers are among the more conservative teams in the league when it comes to injury management. This approach can instill a sense of empowerment among players, allowing them to feel safeguarded when dealing with discomfort. However, it’s a different game during the playoffs, where the stakes are amplified, and players often feel the pressure to play through injuries that might sideline them during the regular season.
One NBA assistant coach summed it up well: “You’d have to chain me to the bench to keep me from playing a playoff game.”
Mitchell’s performance in Game 2 was nothing short of spectacular, despite his injury. He tallied an impressive 48 points along with nine assists and four steals, leaving everything he had on the court. Yet, even with his heroics, the Cavs faltered in clutch moments during the final minutes. He missed a critical boxout leading to a dunk, committed a charging foul, and witnessed Max Strus, after a playoff career-high 23 points, throw away an inbounds pass with the Cavs leading by three and only 25 seconds remaining.
This sequence of missteps during the closing moments of the game was particularly painful, considering the Cavs had held a comfortable lead for much of the match, leading by as many as 20 points on two occasions. Ultimately, the loss culminated with Tyrese Haliburton hitting a game-winning three-pointer with just a second left.
Mitchell’s calf strain may not be severe enough to warrant a spot on the injury report, but it still casts a shadow over his availability moving forward. Cavaliers fans might recall that he was sidelined during the final two games of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics due to a similar calf issue. These types of injuries can be tricky; while they may be labeled “mild,” they carry the risk of leading to something much worse, like an Achilles tear.
As we await updates on the status of the injured players, Mitchell’s health and ability to contribute will be critical as the series continues.
“Proud of every individual that put up a fight tonight,” Mitchell conveyed after the game. “We’ve shown how deep we are as a team, how great we are as a unit. But yeah, it’s tough losing like that. We got to find a way to get two (wins) in Indy.”
With Game 3 looming, all eyes are on Mitchell and whether he will be ready to lead his team as they look to even the series.
