Donovan Mitchell injury update: Cavaliers star shaken up late in Game 2 loss vs. Pacers
The No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers are down 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and their star player appeared shaken up late with the team already dealing with several injuries.
Donovan Mitchell had a big performance in Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers, but he was in clear pain late in the contest as Indiana mounted an incredible comeback to stun the Cavaliers. With Cleveland up by seven points with 48 seconds left, Pacers forward Pascal Siakam missed a free throw attempt but Aaron Nesmith was there for a put-back dunk.
Mitchell went for the rebound as Nesmith put the ball in the bucket, and he ended up taking a fall on the play. The Cleveland guard laid on the floor for a few moments, wincing. A replay showed Mitchell's body awkwardly landing with Nesmith's hands getting caught on Mitchell's neck.
After the play was reviewed and a foul was called on Mitchell, he left the game briefly before returning with 27 seconds left in the contest. Tyrese Haliburton ended up hitting a game-winning 3-pointer for the Pacers to pull off the late comeback in Game 2.
Donovan Mitchell: 'I'm banged up'
After the game, Mitchell didn't say there was any specific injury he was dealing with, but said he is just one of many other teammates who are fatigued.
"I'm banged up, but we all are," Mitchell told reporters. "It is what it is.
"We got two days to get ready for Friday."
Cavaliers injury concerns
While Mitchell's status is unknown for Game 3 on Friday, it's another concern for a Cleveland team that's already dealing with plenty of injuries to key players.
All-Stars Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, as well as key reserve De'Andre Hunter, were all ruled out for Game 2 with injuries. Garland injured his toe during the Cavs' first-round series against Miami while Mobley and Hunter were hurt in Game 1 against Indiana. Mobley suffered a sprained ankle while Hunter is dealing with a sprained right thumb.
Mitchell had a stellar night in Game 2 as he scored a game-high 48 points with nine assists and five rebounds in 36 minutes of action.
(This story was updated to add new information.)