Donovan Mitchell is not happy right now with the Utah Jazz’s decision to scratch him just before the team’s game one loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
The team leading scorer was incensed at the late decision to scratch him from Sunday’s playoff opener. The decision to scratch him deepened tensions in regards to his recovery from a right ankle sprain.
Mitchell has been sidelined since April 16, which was longer than initially expected. The two-time All-Star progressed slowly during the early stages of recovery then. Then Mitchell began to work with his personal training staff on the rehabilitation.
There was the expectation that the All-Star would play as he was not listed on the team’s injury report on Saturday and early Sunday. “I’m ready to go,” Mitchell said Sunday morning. “No pain. I’m excited to get going.”
However, plans changed and after shoot around, the Jazz training staff recommended Mitchell to remain on the inactive list. The Jazz training staff has the final say on player availability.
“Sorry, y’all… I wish I could say more…. I’ll be out there soon!” the All-Star wrote after being scratched from the game.
Despite missing their team-leading scorer, Utah kept the playoff-opening game close but was unable to win it as the Grizzlies won 112-109. Fellow Utah teammates expressed bafflement at the training staff’s decision to scratch Mitchell.
“I try to stay out of all of this because it’s just going to give me a headache,” Rudy Gobert said. “Hopefully, he’s good for the next game. That’s all I’m worried about.”
