Donovan Mitchell may have left Game 4 early with an injury, but NBA fans think it is an omen of things to come.
The Cleveland Cavaliers were absolutely demolished by the Indiana Pacers in Game 4. The Cavs never looked to threaten the Pacers, who pretty much sealed the game after the first quarter.
Donovan Mitchell has been struggling with injuries throughout this series. Mitchell did blame the Game 2 loss for the Cavaliers on his and everyone else’s injury concerns.
But he helped them bounce back in Game 3 to get a win. Kenny Atkinson praised Donovan Mitchell for his masterful performance in the win.
Tonight was a different story, as Mitchell didn’t finish the game. He went to the locker room early with an ankle injury. But fans are skeptical, with some even claiming it hints at his future with the Cavaliers.
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NBA fans call Donovan Mitchell’s injury fake
Several NBA fans weighed in on X about Donovan Mitchell leaving the game with an injury. Some questioned the legitimacy of the injury, while others wondered whether it signaled his intentions for the summer.
One fan simply claimed: “‘Ankle injury.’ I’m so sure down 41 at half.”
While another fan wrote: “Injury gimmick to make the 30-point loss look a little better.”
One Cavaliers fan was defensive of Mitchell, saying: “Well, I mean they’re losing by his number so there’s no reason for him to come back anyway.”
A fan joked: “Donovan Mitchell booked his Cancun flight at halftime…”
Another fan questioned whether this marks the end for Mitchell in Cleveland: “Yeah, he’s leaving Cleveland.”
While one Cavaliers fan also echoed this sentiment: “His last game for the Cavs.”
However, one fan just believes he quit on the team: “It’s called an ego injury. He’s embarrassed at how they played in the first half and quit…”
Read More: Donovan Mitchell passes elite company as Cleveland Cavaliers cruise past Indiana Pacers
Where do Cavaliers go from here?
Down 3-1, the Cavaliers look completely defeated. And of course, the franchise has a glorious history of coming back from down 3-1.
But the way they have played so far will inspire little confidence among the fan base. It will take a complete turnaround in their fortunes for a possible comeback.
The Cavaliers put forth a brilliant regular-season performance. But in the playoffs, they have looked like a shell of themselves.
If the Cavaliers want to come back and reach the Eastern Conference Finals, they need to turn their form around massively.
