Things somehow went from bad to worse after the Cavaliers entered halftime facing a record 41-point deficit in Game 4 vs. the Pacers.
As Cleveland returned to the court from the halftime break, All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell was noticeably absent as he remained in the locker room. The Cavs started the second half with reserve guard Ty Jerome playing in Mitchell's place.
What happened to Mitchell? Here is what is known about Mitchell's noticeable absence to begin the second half of a crucial Game 4.
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Donovan Mitchell injury update
Mitchell is dealing with a left ankle injury. He did not return to Game 4 in the second half and Cleveland suffered a 129-109 loss to fall into a 3-1 series deficit.
Cavaliers head coach said that Mitchell will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of his ankle injury. The findings will determine Mitchell's availability for the remainder of the series.
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As Mitchell warmed up during halftime, he appeared to aggravate pain in his ankle. Mitchell began to favor his ankle, causing a teammate to check on him during warm ups.
Donovan Mitchell is doubtful to return after suffering an ankle injury 😬pic.twitter.com/HcHRJHWn6M
— Backcourt Alerts (@BackcourtAlerts) May 12, 2025
Mitchell returned to the locker room for treatment and more attention and stayed there as the second half of Game 4 began.
Mitchell scored 12 points on 3-of-11 shooting in the first half, and Cleveland trailed at the break, 80-39. In Games 1 through 3 of the series, Mitchell put up averages of 41.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Mitchell's MRI revealed he re-aggravated an ankle injury he was dealign with. He's expected to be a game-time decision for Game 5.
Cleveland will need more Herculean efforts from its superstar to overcome the 3-1 deficit.
This story will be updated.