Utah Jazz: Donovan Mitchell likely good to go for Game 2

Despite having an injury scare during Game 1 of his team’s series with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell should be ready for Game 2.

There was a moment on Sunday when Jazz Nation held its collective breath. In the second half of the Utah Jazz’s playoff-opening bout with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Donovan Mitchell exited the contest and took a detour to the Jazz locker room. Word quickly spread via social media that the star rookie had injured his left foot.

X-rays taken during the game were negative. However, the fear that Mitchell’s Game 2 status would be in doubt prevailed. Now, it seems as though all is well in Jazzland.

After the Jazz dropped the game 116-108 to OKC, Mitchell underwent an MRI on his foot. Per ESPN’s Chris Haynes, the second round of imaging also came back clean. Word from the Jazz is that Mitchell has a left foot contusion.

Although there’s been no official statement on whether he’ll play in the next game, the former No. 13 overall pick is largely expected to take the court when the first-round series resumes on Wednesday.

It was originally reported that Mitchell’s injury occurred during the second quarter of Game 1 when Thunder forward Corey Brewer inadvertently stepped on the rookie’s foot. Mitchell later clarified that it happened during the third quarter and that Alex Abrines had done the deed.

At the post-game presser, he claimed the result was just a stubbed toe. Mitchell also intimated that the decision to remove him from the game was unnecessary.

Said Mitchell —

"“I was just limping, and they saw me limping and thought I needed to come out, but I was just being a baby.”"

To say that this is a positive development for the Jazz is a massive understatement. In his first-ever taste of NBA playoff action, Mitchell did what he’s done all season for his team; he carried the team offensively.

In 35 minutes on the floor, he scored 27 points on 11-of-22 shooting and hit three 3-pointers. Mitchell also added 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals.

If the Jazz hope to even the series at a game apiece before the action moves to Salt Lake City, they’ll likely need another epic outing from their first-year phenom. Especially with Russell Westbrook, Game 1 hero Paul George and Carmelo Anthony providing so much firepower on the other side.

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Thankfully, it looks like he’ll be on the court and working to make it happen.