1:37pm: Although the MRI on Mitchell’s hamstring came back negative, he has been diagnosed with bi-lateral quadriceps contusions, the Jazz announced today. He’ll continue to receive treatment and his status for Game 6 will be updated on Wednesday, according to the team.
There’s optimism that Mitchell will be able to play on Thursday, tweets ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
7:01am: Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, who left Monday’s Game 5 loss to the Mavericks in the fourth quarter due to a left hamstring injury, will undergo an MRI on Tuesday to determine the severity of the injury, tweets Tony Jones of The Athletic.
Mitchell’s departure made a bad night even worse for the Jazz, who trailed by 28 points when the All-Star guard exited with just 4:41 left in the game. Utah eventually lost by a score of 102-77 to fall behind 3-2 in the series. The Jazz also entered the NBA record books by making just 3-of-30 three-point attempts.
As John Hollinger of The Athletic observes (via Twitter), even a relatively mild hamstring strain generally results in a two-week absence, which doesn’t bode well for Mitchell’s availability on Thursday.
However, when asked about whether he expects to play in Game 6, Utah’s leading scorer replied, “I’ll be fine,” as Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune tweets. Mitchell explained to reporters that his hamstring tightened up on him in the fourth quarter.
“Probably,” Mitchell said when asked if he expected to be in pain over the coming days (Twitter link via Walden). “But this is the playoffs, so I’ll find a way. We’ll see how I feel. I’m a competitor.”
Even if Mitchell is able to suit up on Thursday, it sounds like he may not be at 100%, which would be bad news for the Jazz. The 25-year-old was already struggling to score efficiently against Dallas — he has shot just 37.9% from the field and 19.5% from beyond the arc through the series’ first five games, requiring 23.2 field goal attempts per game to average 26.0 PPG.
Rudy go get u 25-25-5 a game an 5 assist to shooters!!! Clarkson will average 27-32ppg now goin 4ward
Down 3-2, Utah needs bilateral wins from the bilaterally bruised.
Jazz were doomed before the season started. Their biggest off-season move was bringing back 34yo Mike Conley.
Jazz need to rebuild this team around Mitchell. They’ll never reach the conference final with this roster.
Gobert has no offensive contribution! I’ll take Jonas over him on any given day. If they smart, they’ll flip him for a first round pick, move Conley and try to get a decent SG like Hield.
Mitchell is no PG. Conley wore out… like he said he would a month ago.
Simmons for Rudy … Not sure u can build around Mitchell
And do what? Sit on the sideline and look pretty!! You trippin man!
@Dunk
Gobert saves points allowed as a perennial DPOY. But he also averages 15 pts per game and is top 5 in offensive rebounds. That’s incredibly good for a guy who isn’t fed the ball in the post, takes less than 10 shots per game seldom has plays called his way. Maybe… maybe if they didn’t have a bunch of guys shooting less than 35% from the 3pt line hoisting up shots but instead run some plays in the post for Gobert a guy shooting 70% in the post. No way should a guy like Clarkson be allowed to put up eight 3pt shots per game shooting 31%.
Good point but that’s not going to cut it. That’s not enough to win or reach the finals. He needs to develop a jumper or he’ll go out just like Noah.
Last PO Jonas got crushed by Gobert… Conley is 34yrs with a 40+M$ contract so trade him + Bojan for Westbrook or Wall.
How much 7ft you know have grown a jump shot? Embiid, Jokic … 2 MVP.
After this year’s performance Mitchell’s reputation as a playoff-performer is in doubt.
Even in the regular season he was struggling. It might have to do with the way the game is being officiated, much more permissive on the defensive end (good thing if you ask me).
I think it’s all a mental thing, at this point. The team has been struggling for awhile now. The Ingles trade was a reaction to that and because he was struggling, too.
Even if the Jazz win game 6 and 7, I don’t see this team beating Boston. They could be competitive against most everyone else, if they start shooting like normal again.
I’ve been saying I wish the Jazz would go long and athletic at every position. If they do that then they don’t even need a guy like Gobert. Everyone can block shots. Look at Herbert Jones. He’s like the prototype now. Of course, you still need shooters, but length, athleticism, and hustle can save you when you’re struggling. Just imagine a swarming defense with a bunch of Herbert Jones-types or Siakims.