After a highlight reel dunk from Donovan Mitchell, the TNT broadcast mentioned something interesting about the Cavs guard. They said that he’s playing through a calf injury. Still, it didn’t stop him from dropping 48 points in a thrilling Game 2.

Following the game, Mitchell said via Evan Dammarell of ClutchPoints on X (formerly Twitter) if he’s playing through injury.

“We all are. It is what it is,” Mitchell said.

The funny thing here is that he didn’t deny an injury. If that’s the case, it would be another brutal blow to the team. After all, Darius Garland missed the Cavs Games 1 and 2 with a big toe injury.

His presence looms large. As a result, Mitchell has had to turn into a superhero with a 48-point masterpiece. Somehow, the Cavs lost and completely squandered an elite performance.

Either way, this time of the year is when injuries spike up. Garland’s injury would keep him out for one to two weeks in the regular season.

It’s hard to say if Mitchell’s injury would keep him out for a significant period of time. However, it’s not a good sign that he didn’t attempt to downplay or negate it as a whole.

Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell’s possible injury is concerning

Calf injuries are not joke, and typically aren’t messed with. A player like him uses his calves for his explosiveness and athleticism. Even if he was injured, it didn’t stop Mitchell from having a jaw-dropping dunk in the Cavs first half.

That was a part of his 48-point masterpiece on Tuesday.

Heading into Friday’s game, his injury status will be an important one to monitor. The Cavs have already lost Garland, and wouldn’t want to lose anyone else, especially Mitchell.

The latter is one of the premier scorers in the NBA, and has a plethora of moves to score.

You may also likeArticle continues below
Kenny Atkinson takes jab at refs after Cavs Game 2 collapse vs. Pacers
Cavs HC Kenny Atkinson makes Ty Jerome promise after 1-of-14 disaster
Why Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell blames himself for Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winner
Cavs big man Jarrett Allen’s admission on Donovan Mitchell’s Herculean efforts

Plus, his leadership on the floor is huge. With Cleveland’s back against the wall, they could use all the guidance they can get. They’re playing a feisty and desperate Indiana Pacers.

They’ve shown an ability to capitalize on injuries or any disparity to the other side. This might force the Cavs to accelerate into overdrive to prevent a 3-0 deficit.

If anything, Mitchell might need to play through his injury to give his team any shot of winning. Desperate times call for desperate measures on all fronts.

No matter how his injury status is, it might not matter if the Cavs hope to squeak out a win and turn the series around.