Jazz star Donovan Mitchell had to be helped off the court during Friday's game between Utah and Indiana after suffering an ugly right ankle sprain.
Early in the third quarter, Mitchell jumped in the air and attempted to deflect a pass thrown by Pacers guard Edmond Sumner. Mitchell appeared to twist his right ankle as he landed on the floor, and he struggled to stand up under his own power.
MORE: How long is Anthony Davis out?
Members of the Pacers' coaching staff attempted to help Mitchell regain his balance, but it quickly became clear that he would not be able to continue playing. Mitchell slowly walked off the court with the help of his Jazz teammates, putting little weight on his right ankle.
Donovan Mitchell helped off the court in the 3rd, no idea what the injury is, but the arena goes dead silent as the team helps Spida off the court.#TakeNote | @kslsports pic.twitter.com/a9ohClCNAv
— Hemā Heimuli Jr. (@x_hems) April 16, 2021
Better look at that Donovan Mitchell injury. Right ankle #PacersJazz pic.twitter.com/hK6puHSTlC
— J. Michael (@ThisIsJMichael) April 16, 2021
Utah later announced that Mitchell would miss the remainder of the game. Initial X-rays came back negative, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who reported that there is "early optimism" Mitchell didn't suffer a significant injury.
Mitchell entered Friday's contest on a scoring tear, averaging 36.8 points in his last five games. He posted 22 points, four rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes before heading to the locker room.
UPDATE: Wojnarowski reported Saturday that Mitchell is expected to miss several games with the injury, but an MRI revealed no structural damage.
