Tag: Cleveland Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Starts Game 5 Despite Ankle Sprain

Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 14, 2025 (Game 5 vs. Indiana Pacers)

Despite a sprained left ankle, Donovan Mitchell is starting for the Cavaliers in their must-win Game 5 against the Pacers. He had missed the second half of Game 4 due to the injury and was listed as questionable.
Mitchell participated in shootaround and went through his pregame routine, indicating his availability. His presence boosts Cleveland’s chances as they face elimination. Sam Merrill (neck strain) is out.

Mitchell a Game-Time Decision for Game 5 vs. Pacers

Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 2025

Donovan Mitchell is questionable for Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers after aggravating a prior left ankle injury. An MRI confirmed the issue after he left Game 4 at halftime and didn’t return.
Mitchell felt pain during warmups before the second half and exited the court. The Cavaliers will assess his readiness just before tip-off on Tuesday night. He had two consecutive 40-point playoff games before this setback.

Donovan Mitchell Exits Game 4 with Ankle Injury, MRI Scheduled

Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 12, 2025 (Game 4)

Mitchell exited Game 4 with a left ankle injury and did not return for the second half. He will undergo an MRI on Monday to assess the damage.
After scoring just 12 points in the first half, Mitchell experienced discomfort during warmups and was ruled doubtful before missing the rest of the game. His Game 5 status is uncertain.

Atkinson Avoids Blaming Refs Despite NBA Confirming 3 Missed Calls in Game 2 Loss

Cleveland Cavaliers v Indiana Pacers
May 2025

The NBA admitted three missed calls in the final minute of Indiana’s 120-119 comeback win over Cleveland in Game 2, including a lane violation by Haliburton before his game-winning 3-pointer. Despite this, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson refused to blame the refs, focusing instead on his team’s collapse from a 20-point lead.
The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report revealed missed lane violations and a defensive 3-second call. Atkinson acknowledged collective errors from players, coaches, and officials, while Pacers coach Rick Carlisle noted Indiana had more fouls called overall in the series. Game 3 shifts to Indianapolis.

Atkinson Wins NBA Coach of the Year After Transforming Cavaliers

Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 2025

In his debut season, Kenny Atkinson led the Cavaliers to 64 wins and the No. 1 seed in the East, earning him NBA Coach of the Year honors. He received 59 of 100 first-place votes, surpassing former Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Houston’s Ime Udoka.
Atkinson reshaped rotations to elevate Evan Mobley, reduced star workloads, and used training camp to install a faster, team-oriented style. His system produced three All-Stars and a record-setting sweep over Miami in Round 1.

Garland’s Status Uncertain Ahead of Cavaliers’ Semifinal Opener vs. Pacers

Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Sunday, Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1

Darius Garland is listed as questionable due to a lingering sprained left big toe, having already missed the final two games of the first-round sweep over Miami. His status will be a game-time decision.
Garland didn’t practice Saturday but had a full-contact session Friday. Coach Kenny Atkinson said the injury may linger throughout the playoffs. If unavailable, Sam Merrill or Isaac Okoro may start in his place.

Darius Garland Ruled Out Again with Toe Injury for Cavs’ Game 4

Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
April 2025 (First-Round Playoffs)

Darius Garland was ruled out for Game 4 against the Miami Heat due to a sprained left toe, missing his second straight playoff game.
Garland aggravated the injury in Game 2, missed Game 3, and after a pregame test Monday, the Cavaliers opted to prioritize his recovery as they aim to sweep the series.

Cavaliers Crush Heat for 3-0 Series Lead in Historic Blowout

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Miami Heat
April 27, 2025 (First-Round Playoffs, Game 3)

Cleveland Cavaliers handed Miami Heat their worst-ever playoff loss with a 124-87 win, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference first round.
Jarrett Allen scored 22 points and Evan Mobley led a dominant 33-5 first-half run; Cleveland outrebounded Miami 46-29 and outscored them 60-30 in the paint. Game 4 is set for Monday in Miami.

Darius Garland, Tyler Herro Trade Shots Amid Cavs-Heat Playoff Battle

Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers), Tyler Herro (Miami Heat)
April 2025 (First-Round Playoffs)

Darius Garland admitted Cleveland’s game plan targets Tyler Herro defensively, prompting a fiery response from Herro, who criticized Garland’s own defensive ability.
Cleveland has repeatedly attacked Herro, shooting 58% when he’s the primary defender. Despite Herro scoring 33 points in Game 2, the Heat trail 0-2 heading into Game 3.

Cavs Expect Donovan Mitchell Ready for Playoff Opener

Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
April 2025

Despite missing the final four regular-season games with a sprained ankle, All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell is expected to return for the Cavaliers’ playoff opener as the East’s top seed.
Mitchell has resumed full on-court workouts and will join team scrimmages this week. Coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized balancing rehab with conditioning ahead of Cleveland’s playoff run, which begins April 20.

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