TNT Cameras Reveal Concerns Over Donovan Mitchell’s Health as Darius Garland Takes Major Action Before Game 4

“The Cavs will win Game 4 and reclaim the series.” One of the die-hard fans commented on social media. There was an air of hope and pride in these words. However, at the end of the first half, it was clear who was in charge of the game, the Indiana Pacers or the Cleveland Cavaliers. Coach Kenny’s boys had 39 points to Haliburton & Co.’s 80; a 41-point deficit sent shockwaves among the Cavs fans. Now, Cleveland has a lot more to worry about in Game 5, and not just about comebacks. And the biggest question before them is: Will Donovan Mitchell play?

Spida Mitchell has been electric in the second-round clash with the Pacers. He has poured in 136 points over four games, lighting up the scoreboard with back-to-back 40-point performances in Games 2 and 3. His impact has been undeniable. No matter how this series ends, possibly with Cleveland bowing out again, one truth stands: Mitchell showed up when it mattered most.

But now, there’s a shadow over his brilliance. But just when Cleveland needed their star to carry them, his body may have other plans. “So he was warming up for the second half, and there’s footage of it. It’s TNT footage from the camera that’s in the, it’s in the backboard,” Brian Windhorst narrated to Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon on The Hoop Collective podcast. “And he’s out there early. He’s one of the first players out there. And he goes to, like, rise to take a three-pointer, and he stops himself and goes down. Like, crouches down and starts, you know, grabbing his leg, and he walks off and never comes back. He’s having an MRI on Monday. The Cavs reported it to be a left ankle injury.”

Feb 25, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) against the Orlando Magic during the first half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

The setback came quietly, almost unnoticed at first. During halftime warm-ups, Donovan Mitchell appeared to tweak his ankle while going through routine shots. Moments later, trainers rushed to him and escorted him back to the locker room. He never came back. And neither did Cleveland’s hope that night. Already buried under a 41-point deficit at the half, the Cavaliers spiraled without their star. After stealing some momentum on Indiana’s floor in Game 4, they let it slip through their fingers most cruelly, helpless and without their leader.

Mitchell never truly found lift-off. Though no one disputes his commitment, his body has quietly battled its own war. The lingering left calf issue, present throughout this series, is not new. It echoes last year’s second-round clash against Boston, when similar pain forced him to miss the final two games. This time, the signs were there again, only clouded by his brilliance.

Despite the burden, the 28-year-old guard has been extraordinary. He entered the series averaging over 40 points, delivering 33 in Game 1, then exploding for 48 and 43 in the next two. Yet the numbers hide the toll. His minutes haven’t been outrageous, never above 37, but they’ve been intense. Every second has demanded more. And now, his body may be signaling it has given all it can. But one major reason behind this wear-off has been Darius Garland‘s absence.

Darius Garland takes precautions amidst Donovan Mitchell’s uncertain Game 5 appearance

Darius Garland hadn’t played since Game 2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ first-round series against the Miami Heat, due to a big toe sprain. However, he made a comeback in Game 3 of the semi-finals against the Indiana Pacers. Returning to the floor on Sunday, DG played for 27 minutes, chipping in 21 points. Now, Brian Windhorst pointed out that because of Garland’s injury, Donovan Mitchell had been playing hard minutes for the team, filling in the role of a point guard.

“He’s had to play point guard. If he can’t play, you know, if you’re trying to construct some sort of three-month comeback, yeah. Especially with Darius Garland not looking right at all,” Windy noted. Meanwhile, Garland is reportedly taking drastic measures to protect his toe from further injuries. Again, Brian Windhorst said, “Garland’s playing with some modified shoe to hold his toe in place.” 

Dec 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) reacts after a play during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

And now, as the series seemingly slips away from the Cavs, their beacon of hope, Spida Mitchel, finds himself in a major dilemma. With an injured ankle and an uncertain Game 5 appearance, Cleveland needs an anchor to hold their ground. Can Darius Garland become the buoy amidst his injuries? Only time will tell. For now, the team has to swallow the bitter pill of a 1-3 setback and aim for a massive return in the next game.

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