Cavaliers Lose Their Star in a Critical Moment
The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered more than just a loss on Sunday. In their 129-109 defeat to the Indiana Pacers, star guard Donovan Mitchell exited at halftime with a left ankle injury — a blow that could alter the trajectory of the series.
A Rough Start Turns Alarming
Mitchell entered Game 4 riding a wave of dominance, having posted back-to-back 40-point performances. But against Indiana, he struggled to find his rhythm early, scoring just 12 points on 3-of-11 shooting in the first half.
The bigger concern arrived at halftime. Mitchell began warmups with his teammates but abruptly stopped, visibly hunched over in pain. He was evaluated by team medical staff and then escorted to the locker room. Though initially listed as doubtful, he did not return.
Atkinson: No Update Yet
Head coach Kenny Atkinson addressed the media after the loss, stating Mitchell would undergo an MRI on Monday and that he had “no idea” whether the guard would be available for Game 5.
“We’ll know more tomorrow,” Atkinson said. “Obviously, it’s a big concern.”
Impact on the Series
The Pacers’ win tied the series at 2-2. With the Cavaliers now headed back to Cleveland, they face mounting pressure — especially if Mitchell is sidelined.
His absence was immediately felt. Without his shot creation and leadership, the Cavs’ offense faltered. Indiana took control and never let go, capitalizing on Cleveland’s shaky second-half performance.
The Road Ahead
Game 5 becomes a defining moment — not just for the series, but for Cleveland’s season. The Cavaliers must regroup quickly, and all eyes will be on Monday’s MRI results.
Mitchell’s availability could swing the balance. Without him, the Cavs’ margin for error shrinks dramatically. With him at less than 100 percent, they’ll still need others to step up.
But if the Cavaliers get good news, they’ll be back in Cleveland with home-court and their star guard — bruised, maybe, but still in the fight.
