Kenny Atkinson gives update on Donovan Mitchell’s availability heading into the playoffs

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell missed the final 4 video games of the common season after injuring his ankle within the April 6 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Mitchell initially harm his ankle within the third quarter, however got here again to play the ultimate quarter-hour earlier than being shut down for the rest of the common season.

It doesn’t seem that the ankle harm goes to maintain him off the courtroom. Mitchell was a full participant in observe on Thursday afternoon, as had been the remainder of his teammates.

“Really good,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said after practice on Thursday when requested about how Mitchell particularly appeared. “He did everything. We did some live stuff today. He was a full go. No restrictions.”

The Cavs have been intentional with retaining the minutes off their greatest gamers, together with Mitchell, contemplating the crew wasn’t absolutely wholesome going into the playoffs final season. That’s one thing Atkinson has been citing since media day final fall.

“That was the most important thing,” Atkinson said when requested whether or not he may take satisfaction within the crew being wholesome. “I’m really proud of the plan we had. How we managed guys, how they managed themselves, our performance team, or medical team. It’s such a group effort. It’s a lot of planning that goes into it.”

This method appeared to work for Mitchell. The 71 video games he performed this season had been essentially the most he’s participated in for the reason that 2018-19 season. Moreover, the 31.4 minutes per recreation had been the least he’s performed in his profession and had been almost 4 minutes lower than what he averaged final 12 months.

The Cavs have an opportunity to win a championship this season. However for them to take action, they want their greatest gamers obtainable and able to play. Proper now, it appears as if Mitchell and his teammates will likely be prepared for Sport 1 of the primary spherical on Sunday.