Uncertainty Looms Donovan Mitchell As Cavaliers HC Kenny Atkinson Gives Injury Update

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell sustained an apparent ankle injury while shooting around at halftime in Game 4. Having been sidelined for the rest of the game, Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson provided an update on the star during the postgame press conference. When asked about the injury, he said:

"Left ankle injury. He'll get an MRI tomorrow."

When asked about Mitchell's potential availability for Game 5, Atkinson responded by saying, "No idea. He couldn't go in the second half. So, we'll see what the MRI says."

Mitchell being sidelined at halftime did not benefit the Cavaliers' position for the rest of the game. Facing an insurmountable 41-point deficit heading into the second half, the Cavs were brutally shorthanded in the offensive department with their starting guard out of the rotation.

It is safe to say that the 28-year-old guard had been Cleveland's primary offensive force. Having averaged 24.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in the regular season, it was very evident that the star would have a crucial role to play in facilitating the offense in the postseason.

In the series against the Indiana Pacers, Mitchell was nothing short of a weapon. After a 33-point display in the loss in Game 1, the guard put up consecutive 40+ point performances. A 43-point outburst in Game 3 eventually resulted in a win for the Cavaliers.

Game 4 also showed signs of another scoring masterclass by the Cavs guard as he racked up 12 quick points at a time when no one else could get it going. 

Mitchell's injury only adds to Cleveland's list of unfortunate absences from this postseason run. While players such as Darius Garland may have been sidelined early on, the team still managed to get by and rally together to secure wins. However, this may not be as effective against the Pacers when their offense is clicking the way it is.

Indiana saw solid contributions across the board. Pascal Siakam led the offense with 21 points on the night. This scoring effort was supported by Obi Toppin and Myles Turner, who contributed 20 points each. Tyrese Haliburton played a more passive role in this game. TJ McConnell and Ben Sheppard played a vital role off the bench in helping ensure a win for their team.

Cleveland eventually went on to lose the game 109-129, a drastic improvement considering that they lost by only 20 points. With several bench players getting significant minutes by the end of the fourth, it was clear that the game was put away much earlier.

A loss like this could very effectively spell the end to the Cavs' postseason. The pressure of a 3-1 deficit, along with the absence of their star, presents a very difficult challenge for the young team as they head back home for Game 5 on Tuesday at 7:00 pm ET.