Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell sprains finger on left hand, leaves game

On Mar 5, 2023

Cleveland Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell (45) drives past Detroit Pistons' Isaiah Livers during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Cleveland, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Donovan Mitchell appeared to be fine after a groin injury he sustained Wednesday in Boston. That is, until he left Saturday’s game against the Detroit Pistons with a separate injury, this time a sprained finger on his left hand.

In the third quarter of the Cavaliers’ blowout 114-90 win over the Pistons, Mitchell ended a play on the offensive end holding his left hand. He exited the game and was labeled as probable to return according to an update provided by the team.

But with the Cavs cruising to an easy win, there was no need to force Mitchell back into a game that was already well in hand.

“There was no reason to put him in any risky situations,” said Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff after the game. “It happened on the drive to the basket, on that last play that he was a part of, he got hit on [his hand]. … I haven’t seen the replay yet. I just know somehow he was hit on his middle finger.”

Prior to the early exit, Mitchell looked like his normal self, scoring 20 points, including a number of highlight-reel plays, to go along with three rebounds and four assists.

Mitchell dealt with a groin injury in Wednesday’s 117-113 loss in Boston but still managed to pour in 44 points. He didn’t show any ill effects from the injury after having a few days off. The Celtics come to Cleveland for a showdown Monday night. The Cavs are 2-1 against Boston this season in what could be a playoff matchup if both teams advance far enough.

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