Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell exited Game 3 against the LA Clippers with a noticeable limp.
The Utah Jazz held an early 2-0 series lead against the LA Clippers in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs due to the stellar play of Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz benefitted from Mitchell dropping a total of 82 points through the first two contests. But in Game 3, their chances in the series might have taken a hit due to an injury scare from Mitchell.
With the Jazz trailing the Clippers midway through the fourth quarter, Mitchell went for a layup attempt and came up hobbling after planting his left foot and possibly tweaking his right ankle in midair.
Mitchell limped down the tunnel of Staples Center before returning to the sidelines to talk to head coach Quin Snyder. He was essentially done for the night after he was spotted sitting on the sidelines, sans his right sneaker. At the end of the game, Mitchell walked to the locker room with his right foot wrapped in ice.
Jazz: Donovan Mitchell exits Game 3 with noticeable limp
After seeing how Mitchell exited Game 3, it was interesting to see that the Jazz told the media inside Staples Center that the star was available to return on Saturday. Of course, that never came to fruition, due to Los Angeles’ hefty lead over Utah as the clock ticked down.
The Clippers were led to a 132-106 victory by the duo of Kawhi Leonard and “Playoff P” Paul George. Leonard recorded a double-double by scoring 34 points (on 14-of-24 shooting from field) and grabbing 12 rebounds, while George tallied 31 points (12-for-24 shooting, including 6-for-10 from 3-point range).
In 32 minutes of playing time, Mitchell scored 30 points (on 11-for-24 shooting from the field), grabbed 5 rebounds and recorded 4 assists.
Mitchell’s status for Game 4 will be something to keep an eye on up until tipoff on Monday night. Jazz fans will certainly be hoping that the guard will be healthy and cleared to help prevent the Clippers from tying the series.